ZooTampa revealed it recently discovered a “cybersecurity incident” targeting its network environment. The zoo told local media it took immediate proactive security measures to mitigate the impact. “Upon detecting the incident, the Zoo took swift action and promptly engaged third-party forensic specialists to assist us with securing the network environment and investigate the extent of the unauthorized activity,” the zoo said in a statement.[1]
ZooTampa said it is also working with federal law enforcement to investigate the attack.
While details surrounding the incident are still unclear, and under investigation, the zoo said it has proactively notified its employees and vendors whose personal information may have been impacted. Identity protection services were also offered at no charge. ZooTampa says it does not store personal or financial information on daily visitors or members.
“Please be assured that ZooTampa remains fully committed to the protection of all information in our control, systems security, and data privacy,” the company added.
The zoo staff is busy keeping the animals healthy and the last thing they need to worry about is a cyber-attack. As the summer heat takes over the Tampa Bay area, the staff at ZooTampa at Lowry Park are finding ways to keep its animals cool amid the blazing temperatures. Animal care professionals at the zoo added cooling activities to the animals' daily behavioral-based enrichment program.
According to zoo leaders, the enrichment time helps stimulate each animal physically and mentally offering the opportunity to "engage in species-appropriate behavior within a dynamic environment."
In the summer months, animals can be seen having water playtime or sticking their faces into buckets of ice. The zoo's nutrition center is busy creating frozen treats and activities that give animals a refreshing welcome. Some other things added to the summer routine include sprinklers, pools, mud wallows and daytime access to air-conditioned night houses.
From barrels to boxes to boomer balls and puzzle feeders, zoo-goers can see many different species interacting with numerous enrichment items throughout the year. "Sometimes enrichment encourages animals to traverse their habitats in new ways, perhaps exploring newly added logs or branches," zoo leaders explain in the release.
With heat advisories a weekly event, keeping the animals cool is paramount. Heat index values could get up to 109 degrees at times, the National Weather Service said. With heat and humidity this high, some people who are more vulnerable could be at risk for heat illness.[2]
This article is presented at no charge for educational and informational purposes only.
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[1] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/zootampa-hit-by-cyber-attack-target-unclear/ar-AA1dICgo
[2] https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/animals/zootampa-animals-cool-off-summer-months/67-f60b86c7-5891-4c49-b3fd-8cab84bdf373
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