Winter at the Amarillo Zoo: How Animals Stay Cozy in the Cold

Winter in the Texas Panhandle can be very cold and now is the time we start to see it turn cold.  We as humans dress for the weather and put on coats, hats, gloves, and thermals.  We know how to dress for the cold weather.

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However, when it comes to animals, they have their fur and fat for insulation.  For domesticated animals, we always say if it's too cold for you to be outside it's too cold for your pets to be outside (unless you have a husky, and dang it those dogs love the snow and cold, but please use your judgment).

However, some animals at the zoo are not accustomed to the Amarillo winter climate, so steps must be taken to ensure they stay warm.

We definitely keep an eye on the weather on a day-to-day basis,” Amarillo Zoo Curator Berkeley Hilliard said. “If it is going to be cold, we put up slide covers at enclosure entrances to prevent drafts and we check all heaters and heat lamps. We also put down hay and shavings to prevent the animals from being on a cold floor.

Winterizing the Amarillo Zoo

●If the temperature is 45 degrees or higher, monkeys, lemurs, and kangaroos are allowed outside access
and also access to their inside enclosures with a heat source.
●If the temperature is below 45 degrees, monkeys, lemurs, and kangaroos are inside and not on public
exhibit.
●If it is 60 degrees or above, animals are on the outside exhibit.
●Big cats such as lions are allowed outside if it is 32 degrees or higher.
●The Amarillo Zoo is closed if the forecasted high temperature is below 32 degrees.

If the animals have to stay inside for long periods because of the weather, the zoo staff will make sure they have activities to keep them busy and entertained.

In a way animals are like us, if they are cooped up too long they get bored and need some entertainment.