Winter at the zoo

Cosy creatures WINTER AT THE ZOO

Pull out your warm woollies and embrace winter at the zoo. It’s the best time of year for finding cosy corners, seeing the active animals and participating in activities at Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

WORDS Georgia Lejeune PHOTOGRAPHY Jo Howell

Preparing for winter

Snow Leopards are made for the cold! Their thick white-grey coat with black rosettes is perfect for camouflaging in rocky habitats. As well as having a thick layer of fur to protect them from the cold, Snow Leopards use their furry tails to wrap around themselves to keep warm while sleeping during the colder months.

Some animals go through significant changes in the lead-up to the colder months. You may see some of our animals growing extra In the fur, seeking out sunny spots and lead-up to eating more as the temperature winter, bison start drops. Look out for some of these growing an extra-thick changes when you visit the zoos this winter. woolly coat to protect them from the wind and cold. You may be able to spot the cape-like fur on their shoulders, a ‘bonnet’ of fur on their heads and a ‘beard’ under their jaws.

SNOW LEOPARD AMERICAN BISON

Look out!

You might spot the Snow Leopards at Melbourne Zoo curled up together on a ledge in the sun. These animals love winter and are often more active during the colder months.

COSY CORNERS OF THE ZOO

Butterfly House

When the weather is windy and cold outside, the Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House is always a delightfully warm 28°C. The butterflies love the warmth and you will too! Make sure you take in your copy of Zooper Kids for a fun game of butterfly bingo (page 13).

Nocturnal House

Visit the mysterious world of Nocturnal House at Healesville Sanctuary for respite from the cold outside. The animals of Nocturnal House are most active at night, which is why the exhibit is dark, quiet and delightfully cosy. You’ll see animals like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (pictured), tiny Feathertail Glider and the Greater Bilby.

Reptile House

Cold-blooded animals like snakes and lizards need to maintain their warmth during winter – which is why the Reptile House at Melbourne Zoo is always kept at a comfortable temperature for these animals. You can bask undercover in the warmth, like the Grassland Earless Dragon (pictured), and spot resident animals such as the Philippine Crocodile and the Reticulated Python.

Safari tour

All aboard the undercover Safari Tour bus at Werribee Open Range Zoo! You’ll be able to spot zebras, giraffes, camels and American bison from the comfort of your bus seat. This fun safari trip is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.

INDOOR PLAY OPTIONS

Rainy winter days are the favourites of many native species of frogs. The rain provides amphibians the perfect environment to feed, breed, drink, breathe and cool off. Make sure you listen out on rainy days near the creek at Healesville Sanctuary for the sound of frogs celebrating the wet weather.

RED PANDA

Head inside for indoor play this winter at Keeper Kids (Melbourne Zoo), Future Vets (Healesville Sanctuary) and Ranger Kids (Werribee Open Range Zoo). Keeper Kids offers daily activities for children – check for updates at zoo.org.au/melbourne/keeper-kids

FROGS

A thick coat and bushy tail provide Red Pandas protection from the cold during winter. They live in high-altitude areas of the Himalayas, where temperatures can get as low as –8°C. Seba and Roshani, the Red Pandas at Melbourne Zoo, are most active during cold weather.

WARM UP

Stop by one of the zoo cafes for a deliciously warming hot chocolate, coffee or babycino. Try the new babycinos with marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles or, for the adults, a Baileys hot chocolate at Lakeside Cafe (Melbourne Zoo) and Meerkats Bistro (Werribee Open Range Zoo). Or, for something more filling, there is a range of hot food options, including soup of the day, at Lakeside Cafe and Meerkats Bistro.