How Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos Protect Animals from Cold Weather

Zoo Animal Cold Weather Preparations

• 💡 Dallas Zoo staff have been preparing for freezing temperatures all week, ensuring extra hay for animals like Penny the pig and heat lamps for those like Choco the armadillo.
• 🔑 Generators are checked, and sufficient food is secured to ensure animal care even if nutrition teams cannot reach the zoo.
• 🏠 Staff will be staying on-site throughout the weekend to provide continuous care and ensure animals are in safe, warm spaces.

Species-Specific Cold Weather Needs

• 🥶 Asian small-clawed otters, too cold even for their heated pool, are moved to a separate heated habitat.
• 🦙 Alpacas and the capybara, who recently arrived, are noted as being more tolerant of the cold, with capybaras receiving crunchy kale and cozy spaces.
• 🦩 In Fort Worth, flamingos are tucked away, and tarps are used to retain heat for giraffes.

Maintaining Animal Well-being During Cold

• 🚶‍♀️ Zoo staff focus on keeping animals interactive with their environment and enrichment activities, as simply laying around due to cold is not beneficial.
• 🎯 Preparations are tailored to meet the specific needs of each species.
• 🌎 While many animals are adapted to the Texas climate, the zoos strive to house animals that generally do not prefer extreme cold.

Zoo Closures and Updates

• ⚠️ The Dallas Zoo will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to the weather conditions.
• 💻 Both Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos advise checking their websites and social media for updates on their plans for the upcoming week and weekend.