SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Smoke from the wildfires in Canada continues to create poor air quality throughout Northeast Wisconsin. But people aren’t the only ones impacted.
“Animal well-being is our top concern around here. We’re definitely doing our best to look out for them,” said Carmen Murach, director of the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico.
Murach says the zoo has a policy that addresses all sorts of weather and environmental conditions, including air quality.
“We’re watching them very, very closely, and we’ve taken the precaution of moving all of our parrots and a couple other animals who are older or have other conditions that might make them more sensitive to this poor air quality.”
Murach also says that many of the animals have an air-conditioned building that they have access to anytime.
“We do find that many of the zoo animals have some sense about this sort of thing, and they know when to remove themselves from difficult situations.”
And have there been more animal clinic visits due to this ongoing issue?
“Not so much an uptick, but we are getting calls and questions about it,” said Beth Nasal, veterinarian and owner of Happy Tails Animal Clinic in De Pere. Nasal talked about some of the symptoms and side-effects to look out for with your pets.
“But probably the same symptoms that we would see. More coughing, maybe a little bit more labored breathing — some itchy throat, which would be harder to asses in pets. But sometimes itchy throat and sometimes if they are licking more, seem more uncomfortable swallowing, that could be a sign that the smoke’s bothering their throats.”
And with the questionable air quality, just how long are we able to let our pets outside?
“Just like us, shorter time is better,” said Nasal. “If you’re not exercising hard, the risk isn’t as high as if you’re running. Just a walk out to the bathroom is not a big deal. A half hour, hour — you’re fine if you’re just walking.”
And with recommendation of spending less time outside, the zoo has seen an impact in business.
“Well for sure. All the warnings about not leaving your house are effective from keeping people running around,” said Murach. “But we do have people coming out. We’re encouraging animals and visitors to keep them calm and relaxed and to not over exert themselves.”
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