Weather causes challenges for zoo animals

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The cold weather creates some additional challenges for staff at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.  Some of the animals will be heading into heated barns to avoid the chilly temperatures.

Jodie Henderson with the zoo says exotic birds are going into a heated barn while other animals need some extra attention too.  “If there is any kind of ice, we always lock the giraffes in because of their long legs and they can obviously break them quite easily.  Everybody else, lots of extra bedding to keep everybody comfortable and warm.”

Henderson adds they also do their best to make sure the animals get the exercise they need.  “Various enrichment activities are given to them, everything from small devices to keep them moving.”

Staff will also be on top of water dishes that can obviously freeze.  But she says many of the Arctic animals love this cold snap.

Keep your pets inside

Here’s a message from the BC SPCA: bring your pets inside during this cold snap. Marcie Moriarty with animal cruelty investigations says not only is it stupid and cruel, it’s illegal.

“Pet owners can face up to six months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines,”  she points out, adding anyone who sees an animal being kept out in the cold should contact the SPCA.

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