Big cats from the Calgary Zoo could be moved to holding cells at the Calgary Court Centre if flooding conditions worsen.



Earlier this morning, Bruce Burrell, director of Calgary Emergency Management Agency said the cats were evacuated from the zoo to cells at the new court centre to ensure they would be safe from flood waters.



However, police officials told the Herald at 6 a.m. that the big cat move to the courthouse hadn't occurred but they still consider it an option.

Zoo spokeswoman Laurie Skene said the zoo had discussed a number of options for the cats, which include four lions, two snow leopards and six tigers, three of which are cubs that are approaching full size.

"The courthouse remains a contingency plan for the big cats if they need to be evacuated," said Skene.



The cats have been moved to other zoo enclosures including holding pens at the zoo's animal health centre.



Parts of the zoo are under a foot or two of water, particularly the west end.



Two pot-bellied pigs were believed to be evacuated to the City of Calgary animal shelter from their low-lying enclosure.



The gorillas were also confined to a higher area of their enclosure which includes a large play area, due to fears that flood waters could seep into the lower part of their homes.





