Florida wildlife centers prepare and protect animals from the cold snap
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — As temperatures drop across South Florida, local zoos and wildlife centers are making behind-the-scenes adjustments to protect animals that are especially sensitive to the cold.
At Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter Farms, animal care teams tailor cold-weather protocols based on the species and how far temperatures are expected to fall. Preparations include adding extra bedding such as hay and blankets, warming shelters and night houses with heat sources, moving reptiles indoors, and offering additional food to help animals generate body heat.
“Our protocols for cold weather vary by species and the temperature range we’re anticipating,” Lion Country Safari officials said. “Some of these steps include providing extra bedding materials like hay and blankets for animals such as chimpanzees, relocating reptiles indoors, adding heat lamps and warming shelters, and offering more food since eating helps produce heat.”
Reptiles are among the most vulnerable animals during Florida cold snaps because they cannot regulate their own body temperature. As a result, tortoises, snakes, and other reptiles are temporarily relocated from outdoor habitats to indoor or heated areas when temperatures fall.
Even when some animals are moved inside, enrichment activities continue to keep them active and comfortable.
“While some animals’ activity levels may change in cooler weather, we still provide enrichment opportunities,” park officials said. “When chimpanzees have access to their indoor quarters, we set up their rooms with foraging activities, ropes, nets, and other items to keep them engaged.”
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary follows a similar approach.
Christen Mason, Chief Operating Officer at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, said staff provide mammals with extra hay and blankets and hang thick tarps around enclosures to block strong winds.
“We give our mammals plenty of hay to snuggle into, and many also get blankets,” Mason said. “With significant wind in the forecast, we hang thick blankets and tarps to prevent it from blowing through night houses and enclosures for animals that are more sensitive.”
Animals in exposed enclosures are moved to more secure spaces. For example, turkeys housed in open areas are relocated to shelters with solid walls.
Like at Lion Country Safari, reptiles at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary are brought indoors as temperatures drop.
“Reptiles are the most sensitive to the cold since they can’t internally regulate their body temperature,” Mason said. “Any reptiles that normally live outside are brought inside when it gets cold.”
Mason said staff work to keep animals warm while also allowing them to remain active and maintain normal routines. Most mammals continue to be active during cooler weather, while birds and reptiles are returned to outdoor enclosures during warmer daytime hours and brought back inside before nightfall.
Mason also encouraged pet owners to take precautions at home.
“If you have a dog with short fur, a sweater can help,” Mason said. “For people who keep reptiles outside, bringing them indoors is ideal. If that’s not possible, providing a reliable heat source is very important.”
She added that enrichment activities can also help animals stay warm.
“Encouraging movement through foraging, new scents, and activities helps them stay active and warm,” Mason said.
About Post Author
