Four Big Apple zoos closed Wednesday and animals were moved indoors — as a hazardous orange haze of wildfire smoke suffocated the city, officials said.
The Bronx, Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park zoos shuttered at 3 p.m. for the safety of staffers and critters as unhealthy air pollution levels spiked, officials said.
“We have been monitoring the rising air quality index & will close the WCS parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, NY Aquarium, at 3pm today out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals. Thank you for understanding,” the Bronx Zoo announced on Twitter.
The New York Aquarium, which is also run by the city’s Wildlife Conservation Society, also closed its doors.
New York City’s air quality was the worst since at least the 1980s Wednesday afternoon, as thick wildfire smoke blew down from Canada and engulfed the city with smog.
Everything you need to know about the NYC wildfire smoke
New York City’s air has been heavily polluted by thick smoke from Canadian wildfires burning hundreds of miles away.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned residents to stay inside to avoid exposure.
The haze wafting in from Quebec poses a threat “even to healthy adults.”
- NYC air quality live updates: Air quality in NYC worst since 1980s — worse than after 9/11, forecaster warns
- NYC air pollution is the world’s worst as smoke from Canadian wildfires set to linger
- Even healthy adults are at risk from the Canadian wildfire smoke: experts
- Mayor Adams warns about ‘dangerous’ haze from wildfires, urges NYers to stay inside
New York’s air quality has become some of the worst in the world as the ominous orange smog from wildfires near Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia continues to settle over the region, according to IQair.
The air quality is expected to remain hazardous through the weekend.
READ MORE
Health officials warned even healthy New Yorkers to stay inside.
Zoo reps didn’t immediately return a call from The Post Wednesday.
