Animals at ZooTampa stay warm as temperatures drop

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As temperatures drop to the 30s in Florida, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has implemented cold weather protocols to protect the animals against the cold.

Some animals at ZooTampa are naturally equipped to handle the lower temperatures, but others require additional help to make sure they are safe and healthy, according to ZooTampa.

The animals at ZooTampa will have access to their heated night houses as well as extra bedding like hay or blankets.

“A significant part of our cold-weather protocol involves ensuring that each animal is warm and comfortable in their night houses, and that all heating elements are functioning properly,” said Tiffany Burns, Senior director of animal programs.

The Bornean orangutans have received blankets so they can wrap themselves in them, according to ZooTampa.

The giraffes at the zoo will be inside their newly constructed heated barn, and the manatees at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care facility will stay warm in their heated pools.

“On particularly cold days, the animals have the option to stay indoors with heat lamps, bedding hay, and plenty of enrichment activities to keep them occupied,” Burns said.

According to ZooTampa, some animals will remain off habitat until temperatures warm up and it is safe for them to do so.

The Zoo’s Komodo dragons will not be allowed outside unless the temperatures are mid-50s because they cannot regulate their body heat, ZooTampa said.

Some of the animals at ZooTampa like the bears and tigers enjoy the cold weather and will be most active.