See How the Pandas (And Other Animals) Enjoyed a Chilly Snow Day

Due to several inches of snow, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute was closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday. However, the animals and their caregivers made the most of the snowy weather!

While the maintenance teams worked hard to clear the Zoo’s walkways, many animals—especially those accustomed to cooler climates—took the opportunity to explore and frolic in the fresh snow.

Let’s take a closer look at the animals that embraced the winter wonderland, both at the Zoo and at the Front Royal, Virginia campus.

Tigers, Opossums, Elephants, and More!

At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, keepers provide a variety of enrichment activities to ensure the animals remain active and engaged. On a snowy day, that enrichment often involves snow itself!

As part of their regular care, all outdoor animals have access to heated dens or indoor areas to retreat to during extreme cold. For those who reside indoors year-round—like the small mammals in the Small Mammal House—keepers creatively brought a little snow inside for them to enjoy and play with.

Giant Pandas

This snowy weather marked the first significant snowfall for the new giant pandas in the Washington, D.C. area. Both Qing Bao and Bao Li took full advantage of the winter conditions, climbing, diving, and somersaulting through their snowy habitats. This fresh layer of snow provided a unique form of enrichment for these rare bears, who are set to make their public debut on January 24.

California Sea Lion

At the American Trail, the sea lions had their own version of a ‘polar plunge’! The colony, including 16-year-old Sidney, frolicked in the snow blanketing the area by their outdoor pool. These playful pinnipeds, who are native to regions ranging from southern Mexico to Alaska, don’t let a little cold air stop them from taking a swim!

Red Panda

Asa, a female red panda residing on the Asia Trail, was spotted sticking her tongue out during the snowfall. With her thick fur, bushy tail, and insulated paws, she is perfectly adapted to thrive in colder environments.

Asian Elephant

Even the Asian elephants felt adventurous enough to venture outside! These intelligent creatures can adapt to cooler temperatures, so Maharani (featured above) was curious enough to leave her warm barn and explore the snowy grounds at Elephant Trails.

Cheetah

While many animals enjoy the snow for play, others are more curious. At the Zoo’s conservation science campus in Front Royal, Virginia, the cheetahs were intrigued by the fresh snow covering their habitat. These remarkable animals adapt well to the wintery conditions in the Washington area, developing thick coats that keep them cozy. Here, female cheetah Zura can be seen surveying her snowy surroundings from a hilltop.

Persian Onagers

Persian onagers, an endangered species related to domestic horses and donkeys, originate from the harsh plateaus of Central Asia. Their resilience to extreme temperatures explains why these two decided to poke their noses into the snow!

Scimitar-Horned Oryx

You might think that a creature like the scimitar-horned oryx, adapted to the desert climates of northern Africa, wouldn’t handle winter well. Interestingly, even in the Sahara Desert, nighttime temperatures can drop to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius). However, this hardy oryx herd easily withstands the colder weather!

If you’re looking for an ideal time to visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, winter is a fantastic season. Plan your trip today and prepare to witness some fantastic animal behavior in the snow!

Whether you’re passionate about animal care or simply adore observing wildlife, the National Zoo is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of nature up close!