Murrells inlet goats being moved Thursday, Ripley’s and other animals safe and secure

Ripley’s Aquarium stated that the attractions will remain open during the weekend as of today, despite the severe weather conditions that Hurricane Ian will bring to South Carolina on Friday.

“Here at Ripley’s we are keeping a close eye on the weather as safety is our number one priority,” Alex McMinn, spokesperson for Ripley’s Aquarium, said.

If there are changes to the current plan, McMinn said that the announcement would be made on the Facebook page first and on the website after.

Other businesses in Horry County with exotic animals have said they are monitoring the weather closely.

Al Hitchcock, the owner of Jack’s Drunken Goats, stated he will move his goats off the Murell’s Inlet island Thursday.

Hitchcock said that the reason was due to the wind speeds.

Current forecasts from the National Weather Service show wind speeds in coastal areas in North Carolina and South Carolina will be 30-35 mph on Thursday and 40-45 mph on Friday.

Brookgreen Gardens has also stated there are no current plans to move animals but are taking additional steps to prepare the Lowcountry Zoo for severe weather.

According to Andrea DeMuth, Vice President and Zoo Curator, staff members are currently cleaning gutters, topping off food supplies, removing debris and securing doors.

“We will watch the weather closely,” DeMuth said.

This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 1:26 PM.