Page 15 - Gateways Winter 2022-23 flipbuilder_Neat

1.

WATCH ANIMALS

FROLIC IN THE SNOW

Summer heat makes many animals lethargic and inactive.
They might sleep away the heat of the day as they would
in the wild, or choose to retreat to cooler behind-the- SEE ANIMALS
scenes areas. 2.
Cooler temperatures can draw even the most AT THEIR FLUFFIEST
elusive animals—including our snow leopards— AND FURRIEST
out into the open where they are easier to see.
Many animals also become friskier and more active Over the years, Schulz has taken thousands of photos
on cool days, said Jim Schulz, CZS photographer. of Brookfield Zoo’s animals in every season. Some animals
The African painted dogs love to run around in are more striking-looking during the winter months,
the snow, he said. Whirl Amur Tiger and the he said. Their winter coats are fuller and fluffier.
red panda also enjoy snow. During icy weather, For example, Bactrian camels, native to the Mongolian
you can watch animals that are native to high- steppes and the Gobi Desert, sport a dense winter coat,
altitude and low-temp regions display their which they shed in warmer months. The Mexican
amazing adaptations to their environment. wolves look especially majestic and formidable
Some of our marine mammals are also in the winter when their coats—an insulating
very active during the winter months, said undercoat and a long-haired guard coat—are
Mark Gonka, associate curator of Marine fuller. They shed hunks of hair in early spring.
Mammals. “The California sea lions will Some animals change color in the winter.
spend the majority of their time in the For example, the thick fur on an Amur
water instead of hauling out for naps.” tiger’s neck and back changes from
Their heated pool water may have some- reddish in the summer to yellowish
thing to do with that. “And the little in the winter.
grey seals seem to really enjoy the snow.”

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