Free Admission to See Potter Park Zoo's Artic Fox, Snow Leopards, Tigers and Other Winter Animals

By Billie Harris

Lansing, MI - Colder temperatures mean big changes at Potter Park Zoo, including free admission to one of the most exciting seasons to observe animal activity.

Preparations already are underway readying the animals for the cold season. The animals soon will be receiving extra bedding and heat lamps to provide additional warmth. Heated sleeping rocks are a huge seasonal favorite of the African Lions, Mashavu, Amboseli and Dakota, who can be seen during the winter months lounging outside on these cozy napping spots. Each exhibit also is equipped with an indoor area for the animals to access year-round.

In addition, many of the animals will be receiving supplementary food to account for the extra energy needed to maintain internal body temperatures in colder weather.

Despite these accommodations, a few animals will need to be taken off exhibit due to their habitat requirements. At Potter Park Zoo this includes the Michigan Tortoises and the King Vulture.

“Many of the animals are already growing their winter coats,” explained Dr. Tara Harrison, the zoo’s veterinarian and animal curator. “The arctic foxes in particular are beginning to show their winter coloration.”

A common misconception is that zoos close down during the winter because too many animals go into hibernation or are taken off exhibit due to the colder temperatures. While many animals do exhibit changes in their activity levels during the colder seasons, many animals at Potter Park Zoo actually prefer the colder temperatures.

“Visits to the zoo during the winter are often some of the most exciting times to watch the animals,” said Zoo Director Gerry Brady. “The Snow Leopards, Amur Tigers, Big Horn Sheep, Reindeer, and Caribous are actually much more active during this time of year.”

Potter Park Zoo is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day.
Beginning November 1, 2009, winter zoo hours take effect at the zoo with it being open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also during winter, admission is free for both residents of Ingham County and non-residents, with the exception of the Wonderland of Lights event.

Potter Park Zoo is located at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. within Potter Park along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, Michigan. The zoo is open daily year-round, winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (517) 483-4221 or visit www.potterparkzoo.org

Potter Park Zoo is committed to providing an engaging and educational visitor experience promoting responsible community and global stewardship through the welfare and conservation of animals and their habitats.

To view Potter Park Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-588-Potter_Park_Zoo