Four Big Apple zoos closed Wednesday and animals were moved indoors — as a hazardous orange haze of wildfire smoke suffocated the city, officials said.
The Bronx, Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park zoos shuttered at 3 p.m. for the safety of staffers and critters as unhealthy air pollution levels spiked, officials said.
“We have been monitoring the rising air quality index & will close the WCS parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, NY Aquarium, at 3pm today out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals. Thank you for understanding,” the Bronx Zoo announced on Twitter.
![NYC covered by Halifax wildfires haze.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/060723_NYC_covered_by_Halifax_wildfires_haze_96.jpg?w=1024)
The New York Aquarium, which is also run by the city’s Wildlife Conservation Society, also closed its doors.
New York City’s air quality was the worst since at least the 1980s Wednesday afternoon, as thick wildfire smoke blew down from Canada and engulfed the city with smog.
![The New York City Manhattan skyline as seen from the East River in Long Island City covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/wildfire_smoke_nyc_15.jpg?w=1024)
Health officials warned even healthy New Yorkers to stay inside.
Zoo reps didn’t immediately return a call from The Post Wednesday.