Chongqing Zoo’s Winter Care for Animals as a Cold Front Hits

Chongqing - As a cold front sweeps through the city, temperatures are dropping, and residents are bundling up in warm clothing to stay warm. But how are the animals at the Chongqing Zoo dealing with the sudden chill?

On January 21, visitors stepping into the zoo's Amphibian and Reptile Pavilion are immediately greeted by a warm environment. Several red-legged tortoises are relaxing under bright heat lamps, their shells shining as though they're enjoying a winter "sunbath."

Zookeepers explain that cold-blooded animals, such as tortoises, snakes, and lizards, are especially sensitive to the cold. In previous years, these animals would have already entered hibernation. But this year, the pavilion has been equipped with heaters, heat lamps, and insulated bedding to create a "winter survival trio." The indoor temperature is maintained around 30°C, simulating a tropical climate to keep the animals active and healthy throughout the winter.

Next door, the penguin exhibit offers a different scene. The zoo's newly arrived Peruvian penguins are experiencing their first winter in Chongqing. Inside the exhibit, the air temperature is set to a comfortable 25°C, and the water in their pool stays at a constant temperature. Several penguins glide gracefully through the water, occasionally poking their heads out to interact with visitors.

 "These penguins are from a temperate climate, so they’re sensitive to both cold and heat," explains one of the staff. "We've carefully controlled the temperature of both the air and water to keep them comfortable and active."

In the meerkat enclosure, the warmth is provided by small heat lamps that create cozy golden pools of light. Several meerkats huddle together for warmth, some standing alert, while others curl up and nap under the gentle glow. In the sloth and anteater enclosures, air conditioners keep the indoor temperature steady between 27-28°C. The sloths cling motionless to tree branches, while the anteaters are comfortably snoozing on their heated mats, seemingly unaffected by the cold outside.

"Just like humans, animals need extra energy during the winter," says Li Chunbo, a zookeeper at Chongqing Zoo. To help the animals build energy reserves to withstand the cold, the zoo's nutritionists have adjusted their diets. Carnivorous animals are given higher-calorie foods to help them "bulk up" for the winter, while herbivores are given more protein and fiber to enhance their ability to stay warm. Additional vitamins and minerals are also added to ensure the animals' nutrition remains balanced during the cold months.

Beyond warmth, safety is also a top priority. Since winter arrived, the zoo has been conducting thorough checks of the heating equipment in various animal enclosures, including the goldfish pavilion, reptile house, and hippopotamus area. These checks focus on ensuring that electrical systems, power boxes, and circuits are working properly, preventing fire hazards, and ensuring that heating systems continue to operate smoothly.

Thanks to the dedicated care of the zookeepers, all of the zoo's animals are staying healthy and comfortable despite the cold front. If you're looking for a unique winter experience, a visit to the Chongqing Zoo offers the chance to see how animals adapt to the winter season in creative and endearing ways.