Tucson zoo cuts hours this week due to heatwave

Reid Park zoo is closing early all week because of concern over the well-being of its animals during Tucson’s heatwave.

“The animals at Reid Park Zoo are well adapted for the Sonoran Desert climate. Habitats are designed with mud wallows, misting, coolers, shade and pools. Additionally, the Zoo has several elderly animals that require special care. With the record-breaking temperatures this week, this change allows our staff to concentrate completely on caring for the animals,” the Facebook post says.

The zoo will close at noon through Friday, three hours earlier than usual, the zoo said Monday on its Facebook page. It opens at 8 a.m.

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Temperatures are expected to top 110 degrees here this week.

The zoo expects to return Saturday to its regular summer hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The zoo’s Summer Safari Nights, held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday nights until August 4, is not expected to be affected by the shortened hours this week, a spokeswoman said.