Snowmageddon, schnomageddon…

Winter storm Fern drove Pittsburgh humans into hibernation when she roared into town on Sunday, upsetting routines and cranking thermostats. The animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium weathered the storm well thanks to the care of our dedicated animal care staff.

Surprisingly, many of the animals like our big cats and elephants enjoy a snow day when they get the opportunity to play in frigid white powder. Animal keepers will bring snow inside for some of our residents like gorillas and siamangs to experience. Penguins love to venture outdoors for a taste of their native waddling grounds, while otters think ice is nice and frolic in their pools with frosty treats. Most of our animals are innately curious and enjoy investigating the foreign weather phenomena.

Other animals, like us less hardy Homo sapiens, prefer the great indoors. Pittsburgh Zoo keepers make sure they have warm and cozy retreats with snug bedding, and activities to keep them entertained, including behavioral enrichment and cool feeding opportunities. Animals like a good Netflix during the chill, too. Keepers play movies for many of our residents. Our creatures like to cuddle up with a good film as they are engaged by the movie’s colors and sounds. Not surprisingly, many of the Zoo’s animals are fans of Disney cartoons. Lewis the giraffe just got a new TV in his barn and staff members are getting a feel for his taste in cinema. High on his watch list is everyone’s favorite Lord of the Jungle, “Tarzan!”

In addition to our dedicated grounds, maintenance, and security staff, many of our animal care and veterinary staff members sacrificed their own warm beds to stay at the Zoo for the storm’s duration to remain close to their animal charges, proving that the Zoo’s high quality animal care knows no season!