What Seasons, What Animals

Fall:

Animals visible in their habitats may change from day to day, based on weather conditions, reproductive cycles, and necessary veterinary procedures.

For the best experience:

Visit the indoor buildings: Apes of Africa, Primates of the World, Aviary, Aquatic & Reptile Center, Big Cat Country, Elephant Care Center, Giraffe Barn, and the Dairy Barn.

Explore the North American species: Caribou, elk, harbor seals, and North American river otters. These animals are more active in cooler weather.

The larger outdoor habitats are for African species like kudu, waterbuck, impalas, and gazelles. These African hoofstock are only outside with the temperature above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and their habitats are clear of ice.

Throughout the entire year, factors like precipitation, wind, cloud cover, animal location, or possible stress may impede the viewing of these animals, but as a general guideline:

Gorilla & Bonobo: Outside when 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above with access to a behind the scenes area

Orangutan: Outside when 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above with access to a behind the scenes area

Siamang, Colobus & Spider Monkey: Outside when 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above with access to a behind the scenes area

Japanese Macaque: Outside when 15 degrees Fahrenheit and above for a limited time and access to a behind the scenes area

Lemur: Outside when 60 degrees Fahrenheit and above with access to a behind the scenes area

Flamingo: Outside when 35 degrees Fahrenheit and above, until ice forms on the pond, then inside and behind the scenes for the winter

Whooping Crane: Outside year-round

Crested Screamer: Outside until overnight temperature dips below freezing; occasional access outside through the fall when above 40 degrees Fahrenheit

Southern Ground Hornbill – American White Pelican – East African Black Crowned Crane – Rhea: Outside until the overnight temperature dips below freezing; occasional access outside through the fall when 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above

Cinereous Vulture: Outside until the habitat is covered in snow and it becomes treacherous for animal care staff to service; then inside and behind the scenes for the winter, until the snow thaws

Impala Plains habitat: Ostrich – West African Grey Crowned Cranes – Guineafowl: Outside in the fall when above 40 degrees Fahrenheit

• Animal visibility may change from day to day, due to weather, reproductive cycles, veterinary procedures and unforeseen circumstances. In general, a variety of animals will be in their outdoor habitats including elephants, giraffes, tigers, flamingoes, caribou, grizzly bears, harbor seals, and alpaca, among others.
• As seasons change, so does the activity of our animals. Some of our species prefer indoor comforts during outdoor extremes.
• As a general guideline, warm-weather animals such as the tapir, kudu, impala, waterbuck, and Eastern bongo, usually have access to outdoor habitats if temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For animals to be safe outside, their habitats need to be free of ice, which could present a danger of falling. Keepers work diligently to clear and remove ice whenever necessary.
• Some of the Zoo’s animals hibernate during the winter. Grizzly bears, brown bears, and the badger hibernate from mid-November until mid-March and are not visible to guests.
• Hippo Haven is open seasonally, April through October. The pool must be closed in the winter.

The well-being of our animals is our top priority. They’re provided with engaging opportunities to encourage natural behaviors and to explore and interact with their surroundings. They also have the freedom to choose how and where they spend their time.