SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — There’s lots to do before the snow storm arrives in Northeast Wisconsin, and preparations are underway at the NEW Zoo in Suamico.
Carmen Murach says the zoo is getting the animals ready for lots of snow, frigid temperatures and wind.
She says most animals will stay inside during the storm where it’s nice and cozy. This includes the giraffes, as they don’t like to be outside when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
Other animals enjoy the snow, like Loid the lion. Murach says prehistorically, lions were found to be in all sorts of climates and can handle the cold.
She says they will keep the option open for Loid to stay inside or frolic out in the snow. While Ajia, the older, female lion, will likely want to stay inside.
And when the storm passes, zoo staff will dig out. Murach says some animals don’t like to walk in snow, so they will shovel paths for them, like Aldo the bear.
“We also make sure everyone has lots of water,” said Murach. “Physiologically you go through more liquid when you’re cold.”
The zoo even provides animals with heated water bowls so their water doesn’t freeze.
If you’re interested in helping shovel and maintain the zoo in the winter months, they are looking for volunteers. Click here for more information.
