Zoo animals prepare for cooler temperatures

Over the next several weeks, visitors to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) will start to see the Zoo animals preparing for the cooler winter temperatures ahead. Many species including the snow leopard, lynx, bobcats, bison and caribou thrive in cooler temperatures thanks to some very cool natural adaptations.

“Caribou are well adapted to life in cold climates,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The herd at the Zoo is already working on developing their dense undercoat made up of ultra-fine fur and a longer overcoat of hollow guard hairs that will keep them warm throughout the winter. Caribou also have large, sharp hooves that act like snowshoes allowing them to walk on top of the snow.”

Other animals like the grizzly bears and prairie dogs, are getting ready to sleep away the cold winter days.

“Mistaya and Koda have started making their beds so to speak,” says Mitchell. “You might see the bears combing through the extra straw and leaves the zookeepers have placed throughout their habitat. Mistaya and Koda like to carefully select each leaf and piece of straw, only taking the best of the best back to their den to make their bed.”

Dingoes Maple and Euci will soon be off-exhibit as the cool weather settles in. While the dingoes love to play in the snow for brief periods of time, they will be spending most of their time in their indoor habitat in favour of warmer temperatures.

A reminder to purchase your 2023 Zoo Season Passes before December 31, 2022 to receive 2022 rates. Zoo Season Passes are available for purchase at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo or any Leisure Centre.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.