GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Dangerously cold temperatures expected across Northeast Wisconsin are prompting closures and cancellations as organizations prioritize safety for people and animals.
Wisconsin Humane Society closing due to cold, offers tips to pet owners
Several outdoor attractions and community events have announced changes or shutdowns for Friday and through the weekend due to extreme cold and wind chills.
The Wisconsin Humane Society will close all of its campuses, including Green Bay, on Friday, Jan. 23. While adoptions and most services will be paused, the organization says it will remain open for owner surrenders and stray intakes.
“We are going to be open for intakes. There are stray contracts we will still honor if anyone sees a stray and wants to bring it in,” Media Coordinator Corey Viars said. “But other than that, we are going to be pretty closed down.”
Staff will still be on site caring for animals inside the shelters during the closure.
The NEW Zoo in Suamico will also be closed to the public due to the cold. Zoo officials say the decision was made to protect visitors, staff and animals, noting that most of the zoo’s exhibits are outdoors.
“We are here for our visitors, for our staff and animals. We want to do what’s safe for everyone,” NEW Zoo education coordinator Angela Kawski said. “It is not looking like a good day to be outside, and most of the zoo is outside, so we have to consider that.”
Kawski also acknowledged closures can have a financial impact, especially during winter months when visitor traffic is already limited.
Other attractions and businesses across the area are also affected:
- The Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc will be closed to the public on Friday, Jan. 23.
- The Green Bay Botanical Garden will be closed Jan. 23–25 and is scheduled to reopen Jan. 26.
- The Titletown District has adjusted hours due to the cold and snowmaking.
- Howard Commons will be closed Jan. 23–25.
- Jake’s Pizza will be closed Friday for the safety of customers and staff.
- On Broadway Inc. canceled Winterfest on Broadway scheduled for Jan. 24.
- Laundry Love canceled its free laundry event scheduled for Friday evening.
- The luminary walk hosted by the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has been canceled.
- Candlelit hikes scheduled for Jan. 23 and 24 at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve are canceled, with additional hikes planned in February.
WATCH: Severe cold weather upcoming in Wisconsin, Storm Team 5 breaks it down
Organizers across the region say that while closures are never an easy call, the extreme cold can quickly become dangerous. Many are encouraging people to limit travel and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold until conditions improve.
Click here for the latest forecast from Storm Team 5.
