Everyone outside
The arrival of spring is often eagerly anticipated… and not just by humans!
At the Zoo, it signals that it’s time to start preparing our more cold-sensitive residents to venture back outdoors. Even though this is an exciting step, there’s no rushing the process: the gradual transition of animals to the outdoors is carefully planned, taking into account multiple biological and environmental factors.
Each species, and sometimes even each individual, follows a customized acclimatization schedule to ensure their well-being and safety.
What is the ambient temperature?
The first essential criterion for going outside is the ambient temperature.
Animals are classified based on their tolerance to the cold. Species naturally adapted to northern climates, such as Amur tigers or yaks, have generally spent the winter outdoors, meaning their bodies naturally adjust to the changing conditions outside. The increasing daylight hours serve as a key signal that winter is ending, prompting seasonal adaptations such as shedding excess fur.
On the other hand, more sensitive species like giraffes and gorillas must wait for consistently positive temperatures before accessing outdoor habitats. Since they have spent the winter in temperature-controlled indoor spaces, avoiding thermal shock is crucial.
The transition is often facilitated by a gradual acclimatization process.
The first phase usually involves partially opening access points so the animals can see and smell the outdoors without fully stepping outside. Short outdoor periods are then introduced, gradually increasing in length over several days.
These outings are scheduled based on temperature conditions and, at first, often last only a few hours.
This approach allows the animals to adjust their metabolism to external conditions while minimizing stress. It also exposes them to new scents and sensations (wind, rain) for the first time in months.
A perfect surrounding
The presence of ice and snow also plays a determining role.
Some habitats must have stable, non-slippery ground before they can be accessed. Hoofed animals, such as wildebeests and zebras, must wait until icy surfaces have melted to avoid falls and fractures.
Several environments include natural ponds or rivers, which need to be thawed before an elephant, for example, can safely explore them.
Finally, before the animals' first outings, the zookeepers must inspect the habitats to identify any necessary repairs after winter’s passage: reactivating water bowls, repairing fences, replacing perches, removing broken branches, adding sand, leveling the ground, and more.
Each at their own pace!
Beyond what the thermometer indicates, the experience and judgment of the animal care staff remain essential in planning the return to outdoor spaces.
The age and physical condition of each individual play a significant role in determining the timing of their first outing. Young animals, less experienced and more vulnerable to cold temperatures, often stay indoors longer than robust adults.
Similarly, older individuals or those with joint conditions like arthritis are closely monitored, and their access to the outdoors is typically limited to milder days.
While the process is gradual, it is also voluntary—animals always have the option to return indoors at any time.
This acclimatization period helps both the animals and their zookeepers re-establish their routines as they transition toward the summer season.
Now that you know, you can appreciate that returning to the outdoors is a carefully orchestrated process that you have the privilege of witnessing throughout the spring.
On your next visit, keep an eye out!
These first springtime explorations often lead to fascinating and unexpected behaviors among our residents—an incredible sight to observe!
