Paignton Zoo And Living Coasts Aquarium Prepare Exhibits For The Cold Weather

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts Aquarium are ready to face the cold snap.

Staff at the two Devon zoos, both registered charities, are making sure their animals are comfortable as forecasters predict sub-zero temperatures.

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “A lot of species are very adaptable – you get cold nights even on the plains of Africa. Extra bedding is provided for bongos, tapirs and zebras. We make sure our animals have all the warmth and shelter they need.

“Some birds are moved indoors in anticipation of cold weather, others are moved if and when it comes. In cold weather the most important thing is to stop ice forming on water troughs and in the lakes. Mediterranean tortoises go into hibernation, but the giant tortoises will often opt to go outside in the winter.”

Exotic trees like date palms are wrapped up against the frost, but Crocodile Swamp remains at a balmy 28 degrees all year round, regardless of the weather.

“This weather is probably hardest on the keepers, as the care, feeding and mucking-out of livestock goes on regardless, even when it’s freezing cold outside.

“It’s a good time to visit both Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts. There are fewer people so it’s easier to get about and see things. The restaurants and shops are open all the winter. The plumage of the birds, especially the sea ducks at Living Coasts, is fantastic.”
 
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
www.livingcoasts.org.uk

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.

Photo #1: Marc Johnson with the Zoo’s bongos – forest antelope from West Africa – in their heated quarters.
Photo #2: Paignton Zoo mammal keepers Dave Rich and Marc Johnson put down extra bedding for the bongos.