Living in a colder climate has plenty of advantages (outdoor adventures, and a white Holiday Season!) and challenges too.  And the zoo residents experience the winter months much the same as the Zoo's human visitors.

 

Some enjoy spending time playing or lounging in the snow, such as Luna and Echo the Arctic Foxes, and Chang Bai the Amur Tiger.  They can often be seen on their exhibits enjoying the cooler weather and utilizing their special adaptations to stay warm in almost any temperature!

Other residents get to spend time inside with their Animal Care staff, who work diligently to make sure their time indoors is as high a quality as the summer months, when they get more outdoors time.

So, how do Animal Care staff make sure animals avoid cabin fever?  By increasing enrichment offerings, and making sure they have as many of the summertime ammenities INDOORS, as they can!  This includes special UV lighting and specially heated barns to keep the chill away.

 

In the case of Eastern Black Rhinos, this can involve some major work, as Animal Care staff offer comple "spa treatments" to Timu throughout the winter.  This includes pedicures (nail trims) and even mud baths, to replicate the wallow she gets when outside during warmer temperatures.  These treatments are enjoyable for both Timu and the Animal Care staff, even though extra work needs to be done for the cleanup inside!

 

So, despite the weather, you can rest-assured that Racine Zoo staff are giving the best care possible to the resident animals, regardless of the temperature outside!