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A Cougar stands in the middle of its enclosure at the Houston Zoo as snow begins to accumulate, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Provided/Houston Zoo)
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Two Houston Zoo Capybaras investigate a pile of snow inside their enclosure on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Provided/Houston Zoo)
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Two Houston Zoo Asian elephants leave footprints in the freshly fallen snow on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Provided/Houston Zoo)
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An African lion pride sits in its snow covered enclosure at the Houston Zoo, Jan. 21, 2021. (Photo Credit: Provided/Houston Zoo)
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Three Masai giraffes stay warm inside at the Houston Zoo during a winter storm, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Provided/Houston Zoo)
Some of the animals at the Houston Zoo had a “once in a generation” winter storm Tuesday, just like people in the Houston region did.
Some of the zoo’s animals chose to stay warm in their enclosures, while others braved the snow, which created some surprising photo possibilities. The zoo claims that each animal has a dedicated care team that is knowledgeable about its requirements and works to keep the animal comfortable in inclement weather.
Snow, which covered the Houston area Tuesday, is nothing new to native North American creatures like bald eagles and cougars. The enormous feathers of the bald eagle and the thick fur of the cougar are made to resist bitterly cold winters, according to zoo officials.
The Chilean Flamingos, which are indigenous to the Andes Mountains, are among the South American creatures that have developed to withstand winter weather. According to the zoo, the flamingos managed to remain comfortable in their recently refurbished display during the storm.
The sea lions at the zoo also appeared to be enjoying the weather. The zoo claims that although they are native to California, the creatures were unaffected by the cold because to their thick blubber and the zoo’s pool, which is kept at 60 degrees.
After being closed on Tuesday and Wednesday owing to the winter weather, the zoo stated that it will reopen on Thursday.
