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Port Lympne animals cope
with wintry weather

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is now open after the
snow and ice forced it to close at the weekend.

Just like us, a lot of the animals there aren't made for the
cold and wet so the Zoo has had to take special
measures.

Animals like the zebras, emus and giraffe who are better suited
to the beating sun than the freezing cold have "access to heated
areas, and keepers are increasing the amount and calorific content
of food," said the Animal Director, Adrian Harland.

He said: "The gorillas at the parks are given hot baked potatoes
for an extra burst of warmth, and the hoofstock can be given a
welcome sugar-boost by feeding molasses."

However, there are many animals who have been in their element
with the snowy weather!

The przewalsky horses, wolves, siberian tigers and snow leopards
have been enjoying the snow, say keepers, as it is just like their
natural environment.

The reason the park had to close over the weekend due to a
lack of grit. It has to be prioritised for the animals
says Adrian, "it is very important that the larger animals
such as giraffe and elephants can go into their enclosuress without
the danger of slipping over and injuring themselves."