SeaWorld San Antonio today provided a safe haven for some of Texas' animal population as part of the park's preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Rita.

Earlier today, two bottlenose dolphins from the Texas State Aquarium as well as a group of birds and mammals arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio. SeaWorld is acting in accordance with reciprocal agreements among zoos and aquariums to assist during natural disasters. In addition to the two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, SeaWorld is also providing shelter for two North American river otters, a prehensile tail porcupine and 14 birds of various species.

SeaWorld San Antonio, like many businesses in the region, is making preparations for effects of the storms related to Hurricane Rita. SeaWorld San Antonio is currently planning normal operation this weekend. The park's hours of operation for Saturday, September 24 are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.