04 September 2026
Storm over Chalk Lagoon
Storm
Early this morning the calm of Chalk Lagoon was broken by a rapid weather change: a dense bank of clouds from the south brought a squall with strong gusts and a brief but intense downpour. Wind-driven waves rose above the usual shallows, sending water crashing over the flats where juvenile marine residents often shelter.
Keepers immediately put the shoreline monitoring protocol into effect: the recent sighting of a young mosasaur made this sector a priority. Veterinarians and rescue teams took positions at viewing points to track the youngster’s behavior and the shifting tidal surge, ready to assess risk and provide assistance if needed.
Several Pteranodon individuals circled restlessly overhead, altering their flight paths and picking out safer thermals; their calls and abrupt landings added to the scene’s urgency. On land, staff checked coastal refuges for shore-dwelling animals and temporarily restricted access to the shoreline until waves subsided and conditions stabilized.
By midday the squall had begun to ease: winds slackened and the water surface gradually calmed. Keepers maintained heightened observation through the afternoon to ensure juveniles were safe and that the shore was clear of floating debris or hazards. Public access to the zone will resume only after a final inspection by the team.
Keepers immediately put the shoreline monitoring protocol into effect: the recent sighting of a young mosasaur made this sector a priority. Veterinarians and rescue teams took positions at viewing points to track the youngster’s behavior and the shifting tidal surge, ready to assess risk and provide assistance if needed.
Several Pteranodon individuals circled restlessly overhead, altering their flight paths and picking out safer thermals; their calls and abrupt landings added to the scene’s urgency. On land, staff checked coastal refuges for shore-dwelling animals and temporarily restricted access to the shoreline until waves subsided and conditions stabilized.
By midday the squall had begun to ease: winds slackened and the water surface gradually calmed. Keepers maintained heightened observation through the afternoon to ensure juveniles were safe and that the shore was clear of floating debris or hazards. Public access to the zone will resume only after a final inspection by the team.