Do animals come out in the cold at the zoo?

While some animals may not be viewable to guests during the winter months, and some are visible year-round, every animal has an indoor facility and also has the option to enjoy the outdoors as well (with the exception of our cold-blooded friends who prefer the indoors).



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Species at the zoo are still active during the cold months, especially those suited to cool climates.

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“You're going to want to come on a warmer day,” Adrienne Sebade said, a zookeeper. “A day where it's around 45 or 50 degrees because that's when most things are going to be out. If it's a day where it is 20 or 30 degrees, nothing is going to be out.” If the animals are indoors it doesn't mean they aren't having fun.

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Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice. Wild animals have many different ways to survive winter. Some mammals, like groundhogs, sleep through it, hibernating during the coldest part of the year. Others, including many bird species, escape it altogether by migrating south for the winter.

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If the winds are blowing at a pace of 0-19 miles per hour, they generally do not play a factor in the exhibiting of animals. Once wind speed is 20-29 miles per hour, there is a possibility of some birds not being allowed on exhibit or returned to the security of their buildings prior to the end of the day.

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A lot of Zoo animals choose to go outside in the winter. Dens, heated rocks and other exhibit features help them stay comfortable, even in the rain and snow. The Zoo also has heated, indoor exhibits that keep animals (and visitors) warm on cold winter days.

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The majority of animals in zoos are diurnal, not nocturnal, so they need their rest at night too. The noise of the crowd's during daytime is high. Sure, they get used to it to some extent, but they need a rest from human visitors so they too can relax and rest.

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Animals in zoos are forced to live in artificial, stressful, and downright boring conditions. Removed from their natural habitats and social structures, they are confined to small, restrictive environments that deprive them of mental and physical stimulation.

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When looking for fun activities do do in the winter, the zoo might not be the first place that comes to mind. But in reality, some of the animals that you visit in the zoo, are more active in the winter than any other time of year.

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Usually, the elephants choose to remain outdoors. The indoor area is equipped with large sand beds that provide a soft place for the elephants to sleep when they are inside. Additionally, large industrial freezer flaps hang over the elephants' door to the outside.

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In extreme conditions, animals may not be given access to the outdoors. Those that are allowed outside for short periods of time will be monitored and have access to shelter and/or heating elements. Safety is the top priority, but playing in the snow can also be lots of fun, as seen in these photos from over the years.

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After the zoo closes, keepers feed the animals and help them get ready for the night. CORALIE: Some zoos had people work the night shift. It's their job to feed the baby animals and check on the adults. MOLLY: Some keepers even have to pick up animals at the airport.

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