Right line
As winter sets in, Zhuyuwan Zoo in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, has adopted tailored measures to keep its animals warm and comfortable through the cold months.
For cold-resistant animals, such as carnivores, some herbivores, and certain bird species, zoo staff decide whether to allow outdoor activities based on temperature conditions. They also adjust feeding routines to ensure these animals accumulate enough body fat to endure the winter. In addition, preparations for extreme weather, such as cold snaps and freezing conditions, are made to provide best protection possible.
For instance, monkeys, which are relatively hardy, require minimal heating measures in winter. However, to boost their cold resistance, the zoo has prepared a special winter diet rich in peanuts, sunflower seeds, and red dates. These foods help the monkeys store fat and improve their ability to cope with the cold.
Ring-tailed lemurs savor a special winter diet rich in peanuts, sunflower seeds, and red dates at Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Zoo. [Photo/yznews.cn]
Gibbons Doudou and Eryuan enjoy being outdoors even during winter. To ensure their comfort, caretakers have added windproof covers to their outdoor enclosures, allowing the pair to play comfortably in chilly conditions.
For animals more sensitive to the cold, the zoo has implemented a range of protective measures, such as providing electric heaters, air conditioning, windproof doors and windows, and extra bedding materials. Customized care plans have also been devised to meet the specific needs of different species.
A monkey frolics at Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Zoo. [Photo/yznews.cn]
For example, giraffes from the African savannah are particularly vulnerable to the cold. The zoo has equipped its enclosures with sufficient heating and laid thick bedding on the floors. These measures ensure the giraffes can stroll around and eat in a cozy and stress-free environment.
Giraffes stroll around at Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Zoo. [Photo/yznews.cn]
