Despite the incursion of this early winter weather, work throughout the zoo only seems to get busier. This is not because of the extreme cold, the layers of snow, or the time invested in training new staff, but in spite of it. Animal care takes on a whole new meaning when the windchill drops to near 0-degrees with a hard north wind testing any exposed skin.

Most of the animal collection is either well suited for a North Dakota winter or maintained indoors, protected from the elements. With some, windows into their buildings provide opportunity to view them inside their indoor spaces, whereas others are, unfortunately, unviewable now. Over the next couple of years, we hope many will be able to enjoy interacting with guests throughout the winter as well.

While the early winter weather changes how we do some things, it cannot change the plans for some of the animal transfers that all seem to be coming together at nearly the same time. Last week, our male Amur tiger, Viktor, hit the road for Denver just ahead of the storm. He arrived safely and their staff is thrilled with him.

By the time this article comes out, the zebras will have been loaded up and will be nearly to their new home at the NC Zoo. We are finalizing travel arrangements for the female tiger cub that will be headed to a zoo in Kansas, and an adult, male Amur tiger that is coming in from Michigan that may include a mate for our aracari, in the aviary, that is coming in from Cleveland. We thought the details were in place for the two male tiger cubs to head to Portland, but it now appears they are hoping to get some work done in the enclosure prior to receiving them.

Besides those listed above, we are preparingt for immobilizations to do pre-shipment exams for the female bongo and Viktoria the female tiger cub to prepare for their transfers later this month. We are fortunate to have a skilled veterinarian, and animal staff to support him. Everything is planned out ahead of time to ensure the process is efficient and thorough, so the animal can be reversed as quickly as possible.

For now, the forecast looks cold, but promising, with only a few chances of light snow. This we can live with, especially with this early start. It could turn out to be a very long winter, but only time will tell. Last week was a good test for some of our newer staff as they learned to manage the animals in the snow with the cold – shoveling their way into enclosures for cleaning and making sure that the animals have fresh water and plenty of feed.

I am asked at least once every winter the same question regardless of where I was working, “How are the animals handling the cold weather?” and my answer has been consistent over all the years. My response is that “I am always more concerned for the welfare of my staff, for they are the ones out in the weather, making sure the animals stay safe and warm,” but that’s what we do.