Abilene Zoo Prepares For Cold Weekend Weather
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: February 11, 2012
Winter chills have returned and locals were ready to brave the cold.
"Its kind of a bit of a change," said Scott Walker who was visiting the zoo with family. "Yesterday we felt it coming in but today its really gotten cold."
Even the four-legged locals were getting ready. Staff at the Abilene Zoo made sure the 600 animals housed there were ready for the weekends temperature drops.
"We are always paying attention to the weather so we kind of know whats coming ahead of time," said Joy Harsh, the zoo's education coordinator.
The zoo had to close last February because of the snowstorms. They don't expect to have to do that this weekend, but with temperatures dropping fast, some of the animals will have to be kept indoors.
"If its cold like today the monkeys are locked inside, so because this is not good weather for them so we pay close attention to the weather and we're prepared before weather gets here," said Harsh.
Throughout the day staff set out extra hay and turned up the heat in the animals dens. Most of the animals are able to withstand colder weather even sleet.
With temperatures as low as 23 degrees, it's a good thing they'll have their fur to keep them warm.
"Its kind of a bit of a change," said Scott Walker who was visiting the zoo with family. "Yesterday we felt it coming in but today its really gotten cold."
Even the four-legged locals were getting ready. Staff at the Abilene Zoo made sure the 600 animals housed there were ready for the weekends temperature drops.
"We are always paying attention to the weather so we kind of know whats coming ahead of time," said Joy Harsh, the zoo's education coordinator.
The zoo had to close last February because of the snowstorms. They don't expect to have to do that this weekend, but with temperatures dropping fast, some of the animals will have to be kept indoors.
"If its cold like today the monkeys are locked inside, so because this is not good weather for them so we pay close attention to the weather and we're prepared before weather gets here," said Harsh.
Throughout the day staff set out extra hay and turned up the heat in the animals dens. Most of the animals are able to withstand colder weather even sleet.
With temperatures as low as 23 degrees, it's a good thing they'll have their fur to keep them warm.
