Odd groupings of zoo animals shack up for Hurricane Rita

(9/23/05 - HOUSTON) -- The Houston Zoo has turned itself into a type of Noah's Ark.

Animals of all sorts banded together as Houston prepares for Hurricane Rita. Picnic benches, garbage cans and other potential flying objects were fastened and secured. A protective fence is in place around the carousel.

Zoo spokesman Brian Hill says animals have been given some unusual accommodations. Geese, ducks and chickens roomed together in one of the zoo men's rooms, which don't have windows.

Turkeys were weathering the hurricane in a women's rest room.

Maned wolves and ant-eaters were shacking up with the tenants of the Siberian tiger section.

Meanwhile, institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston have shut down. Many expect to remain closed through the weekend.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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