ASHEBORO, N.C.—
African Elephants aren't too used to the type of cold weather we've had in the Piedmont recently. It's why zookeepers at the North Carolina Zoo are taking extra precautions to keep animals warm and dry."We're absolutely at the mercy of the weather in terms of being able to put the species out." said Rod Hackney, a representative at the N.C. Zoo.
Many of the North American species are managing in their daytime living quarters. Not so for the African animals.
"Right now in our cold snap it's touchy when they'll be able to go outside and be on the exhibit." said Anna Halliday, a zookeeper.
Like most of the zoo animals, the giraffes and elephants have off-exhibit holding areas, and they will stay there until temperatures rise.
"It's harder because they can't go outside as often because we need temperatures to be at 45 to put them outside, so they kind of get cabin fever." Halliday said.
The polar bears are perfectly comfortable in these temperatures, while the alligators have stretched out to hibernate, with only their snouts breaking the waterline.
Those looking to warm up should head to the aviary.
"It's a tropical forest with thousands of lush plants and dozens of birds in free flight. I can't think of a better way to escape winter than the aviary." Hackney said.
Zoo officials will make sure the animals thrive despite the weather, but visitors should bundle up.
"We do everything we possibly can to make sure our animals are comfortable and well taken care of, but we don't have so much control over the visitors." Hackney said.
Though many of the warmer climate animals are not currently on exhibit, the North Carolina Zoo remains open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
