Zoos Prepare for Winter Storms: Ensuring the Safety of Animals
As a massive winter storm approaches the U.S. this weekend, millions of people are preparing for plummeting temperatures, ice accumulation, freezing rain, and heavy snow. However, it’s not just humans who need to brace themselves for the inclement weather—zoos across the country are also taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their animal residents.
In Texas, the Houston Zoo has made extensive preparations to protect its animals from the harsh winter conditions. Buildings and barns have been equipped with heaters designed to withstand extreme weather, while animals will have access to extra hay and bedding. Food supplies have been stocked in advance, and sensitive plants are being protected with coverings. The zoo has also positioned generators to provide backup power if needed.
Similarly, the Dallas Zoo in Texas plans to bring many of its animals indoors during the winter storm. To keep the animals engaged and stimulated, caretakers will ramp up enrichment activities such as trainings, food puzzles, and nature sounds. According to zoo curator Keith Zdrojewski, providing mental stimulation is essential for the well-being of animals confined indoors for extended periods.
In Fort Worth, the zoo has taken special care of its endangered Pan’s box turtles by bringing them inside to protect them from the cold. In Cincinnati, animal care staff will be staying overnight at the zoo to monitor the animals closely. If temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Washington, D.C., species at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, including Asian small-clawed otters, brown pelicans, orangutans, and gorillas, will likely be brought indoors as part of the zoo’s standard procedures.
While some animals require special accommodations during winter storms, others are well-adapted to colder temperatures. At the Philadelphia Zoo, Marcy the snow leopard is expected to thrive in the winter weather. In Sedgwick County, Kansas, an Amur tiger, a species known for its ability to withstand low temperatures, reportedly enjoys the cold weather.
As zoos across the country prepare for the impending winter storm, their primary goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all their animal residents. By taking proactive measures and providing appropriate care, zoos are committed to protecting their animals during extreme weather events.
