As Snow Blankets the Southeast, Zoo Animals Enjoy the Cold

As Snow Blankets the Southeast, Zoo Animals Enjoy the Cold

Facebook / Houston Zoo

A winter storm has caused some headaches for people across the Southeast this week, closing schools and airports and blanketing the region with a snowy coating they don’t typically see. Parts of Louisiana recorded nearly a foot of snow, while Houston reported between three and four inches. As kids enjoyed these snow days, so did some animals.

Houston Zoo shared a series of social media photos and videos of their residents playing in the winter wonderland. The staff joined in, too, with one writing “I Heart Primates” in the snow. 

The zoo notes that the animals have access to heated barns if they want to make use of them, and staff is ready to care for their charges regardless of the weather.

They write, “Every animal has a care team dedicated to knowing what each species needs to ensure they are comfortable during cold weather conditions.”

Big cats seemed to be comfortable in the conditions. Photos of lions, cougars, and leopards show them jumping in, investigating, or relaxing in the snow. There’s even a cute paw print that may remind you of your own adventurous kitty. (who may have retreated to her own climate-controlled space fairly quickly)

Some fans of climate control included the giraffes, which could be seen cozying up together in their heated barn. California sea lions made use of both the warmth and the cold, while Chilean flamingos huddled up together in their pond to take in the sights. The zoo notes that because the flamingos are native to the Andes Mountains, they can handle chillier temperatures.

Whether you react to the snow like a giraffe in a heated barn, or a cougar ready for some cold recreation, these animals are relatable.

You can see more of Houston Zoo’s photos on their Facebook page.

Michelle Milliken

Michelle has a journalism degree and has spent more than seven years working in broadcast news. She's also been known to write some silly stuff for humor websites. When she's not writing, she's probably getting lost in nature, with a fully-stocked backpack, of course.

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