Zoos Keep Animals Cozy During Winter Storm Fern

While humans stock up on supplies and hunker down for Winter Storm Fern, zoos nationwide are rolling out the red carpet for their animal residents.

At the Houston Zoo, staff prepared heated buildings and barns designed to handle extreme weather. Animals received extra hay and bedding, while sensitive plants got protective coverings and backup generators stood ready in case power failed.

The Dallas Zoo took a creative approach to the cold snap. Many animals moved indoors, where caretakers set up enrichment activities including food puzzles, training sessions, and nature sounds to keep residents entertained during their extended indoor stay.

"Humans can stay inside and watch Netflix," explained Dallas Zoo curator Keith Zdrojewski. "When animals are inside for days, it can get pretty boring for them."

In Cincinnati, dedicated animal care staff planned overnight stays at the zoo to monitor their charges throughout the storm. The Fort Worth Zoo brought its endangered Pan's box turtles inside for safekeeping.

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C., Asian small-clawed otters, brown pelicans, orangutans, and gorillas prepared to head indoors if temperatures dropped below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, following the zoo's standard cold weather protocols.

Why This Inspires

Not every animal needs shelter from the storm. At the Philadelphia Zoo, Marcy the snow leopard was expected to thrive in the wintry weather, perfectly suited to her natural climate preferences.

An Amur tiger at Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas reportedly "loves" the cold. The species evolved in frigid climates and feels right at home in freezing temperatures.

The careful preparation shows how seriously zoos take their responsibility to animal welfare. These aren't just emergency measures but thoughtful plans developed over years of experience caring for diverse species with vastly different needs.

From tropical primates to Arctic-adapted big cats, every animal gets personalized care during extreme weather events. The dedicated staff working overnight shifts and the creative enrichment activities demonstrate that modern zoos prioritize not just survival but quality of life for their residents.

As Winter Storm Fern moves through, zoo animals across America will stay safe, warm, and well-cared-for thanks to teams who planned ahead.