The zoo performed the annual burn in partnership with The Nature Conservancy Friday and can resume regular operations Saturday.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo says a “prescribed burn” in the Plains area was profitable Friday afternoon.
A day after notifying park guests and people in the area in regards to the burn, the zoo shared video of the burn, which was performed in partnership with The Nature Conservatory.
During the burn, the Plains area was closed and animals have been stored indoors.
“Guests and neighbors may notice smoke, but this is a planned and carefully managed effort, with local authorities aware,” the zoo posted on social media.
According to The Nature Conservancy, the managed burns are performed by a crew of execs and volunteers throughout “safe, manageable conditions,” which takes into consideration the climate. The group says the fires assist cycle vitamins and scale back the invasion of “less desirable fire-sensitive species” in grasslands.
“Routine burning is essential for preserving habitat for many grassland wildlife species,” the group says.
The Plains area of the Indianapolis Zoo homes all kinds of birds and animals, together with giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs and zebras, amongst others.
The zoo mentioned it can resume regular operations on Saturday, Feb. 28.
