As winter storms swept through Kansas, the Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina took extraordinary measures to protect its diverse animal inhabitants. Linda Henderson, Director of Development & Marketing at the zoo, shared insights into their comprehensive strategy for safeguarding animals during severe weather conditions.
"We make sure that all of our species that need to be indoors are inside prior to the storms' arrival," Henderson explained. While some cold-hardy animals may still have outdoor access, the zoo prioritizes safety, sometimes keeping them indoors to prevent potential issues with frozen pipes or difficulties in returning them to shelter.
Preparation is key to the zoo's winter strategy. Generators are readied to maintain appropriate temperatures for each species in case of power outages. Additionally, the zoo takes precautions such as wrapping water pipes with heat tape and positioning heaters in animal buildings.
Certain animals require extra attention during extreme cold. "Reptiles definitely need extra care as extreme cold will kill them," Henderson noted. Other warm-weather animals, including giraffes, rhinos, cassowaries, chimpanzees, small primates, and sloths, are kept indoors throughout most of the winter months.
Ensuring an adequate food and water supply is crucial during severe weather. "Prior to the storm, we make sure we have enough food supply on hand for each species to ride out the storm," Henderson said. The zoo's maintenance team works diligently to keep paths clear, allowing keepers access to animal buildings throughout the day.
The dedication of the zoo staff is evident in their commitment to animal care, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. Henderson recounted a notable incident from a past ice storm: "Power was out area-wide and travel was too dangerous to navigate. So the keepers had to stay at the zoo 24-7 for 5 days in a row to care for the animals and make sure generators didn't go down."
Challenges for the staff include not only caring for the animals but also navigating treacherous conditions to reach the zoo. Once on-site, moving between animal enclosures can be difficult. The team also focuses on providing enrichment activities for the animals as they wait out the storm.
As Salina endures winter weather, the Rolling Hills Zoo stands prepared, demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare in all conditions. The zoo's comprehensive approach to severe weather management ensures that its diverse range of species remains safe and comfortable, even as blizzards rage outside.
