Flamingos sheltered in bathroom during Hurricane Isaias in Florida

On Friday, October 9, 2026, keepers at the ZooWorld wildlife sanctuary in Panama City Beach, Florida, executed an emergency plan to protect flamingos from the approaching Hurricane Isaias. Staff moved the birds into a bathroom facility to shield them from high winds and hazardous weather conditions caused by the storm as it neared the northern Gulf Coast.

Footage of the flamingos huddled inside the bathroom has gained widespread public attention after being shared by AccuWeather. Zoo officials explained that emergency protocols vary by species; while some animals are secured in stalls with straw, others require specialized indoor spaces. The bathroom provided the necessary structural safety for the flamingos during the severe weather event. There were no reports of injuries to the animals, as the proactive measures ensured their safety throughout the passage of the hurricane.