Chattanooga Zoo Keeps Animals Warm during the Cold Weather

The Chattanooga Zoo houses a variety of animals from all across the world and just like humans they like to stay warm during the wintry weather.

Tawnya Williams is a zoo keeper and training coordinator at the Chattanooga Zoo knows all about the importance of keeping the zoo’s animals safe from the cold weather.

"These guys [chimpanzees] are so much like humans that we have to do everything we do for us. They do have their own jackets on as you can see they have their fur coats, but they have bedrooms inside and they have bedding that is actually straw."

The chimpanzees have the option of going outdoors, but on colder days they much prefer the warm 70 degrees of their indoor home.

Many of the zoos animal’s nests in hay and on cold days the zoo makes sure every animal has plenty to keep them cozy and warm.

Williams said some of them even have their own outerwear.

"The jackets keep the camels warm just like jackets keep us warm. They’re actually down jackets they’re horse blanket so what that does is that if any of the heat expels, instead of going out into the air it’ll actually go back onto them and keep them warm."

Williams said there are a few animals that really enjoy the cold temperatures.

"The snow leopards and the red pandas can handle the colder the temperatures. They actually have fur on their feet so it keeps them nice and warm. But where they’re from in Nepal there’s usually a good amount of snow so they actually go run and jump and play in the snow."

Williams said many of the animals receive a little extra food on the bitter cold days.

"We also give them extra food items because when they’re eating their food they’re digesting it actually raises their temperature.