See How the Animals Enjoyed a Snowy Week at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Earlier this week, snow and sleet blanketed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in the largest snowstorm of the year. While hardworking staff shoveled walkways, delivered meals, and cleared exhibit spaces, many of the animals took full advantage of the freshly fallen snow.
Snow can change how animals move, forage and explore their surroundings. For some species, a thick layer of snow is business as usual. And for others, it’s an opportunity for fun. Take a look at how the animals spent a wintry week:
Giant Pandas
Giant pandas Qing Bao and Bao Li took full advantage of the snow day by climbing, tumbling, and playing with their toys. They’re well-equipped for the cold: in the mountain forests of central China, giant pandas experience snowy winters and cool temperatures year-round. At the Zoo, both bears have warm indoor dens for when they’re ready to warm up.
According to the giant panda keeper team, Bao Li’s big personality means he’s active and playful in all kinds of weather. And while Qing Bao tends to be more reserved, keepers noted she especially enjoys the wintertime and loves playing in the snow.
“Her playful side has really come out this winter, and it's been so much fun to watch,” said giant panda keeper Kaitlyn Adkins.
During the storm, Bao Li and Qing Bao greeted each other through the “howdy” gate — a mesh screen that separates the two panda habitats. Giant pandas tend to prefer their own space and usually only share habitat when they’re ready to reproduce. At four years old, both Bao Li and Qing Bao are still a few years sexual maturity, which occurs around five to six years old. But keepers say the “teenage” pandas have expressed growing interest in each other, sharing greetings by bleating and pressing their noses against the gate. (Or in Qing Bao’s case, by showing off her impressive somersaulting skills.)
Red Wolves
As the snow piled up at American Trail, red wolves Kiawah and Redford patrolled their snowy hillside habitat. Red wolves are crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are active at nighttime, dawn and dusk, but during the coldest months of the year, they tend to be more active during the day.
California Sea Lions
Even during cold snaps, sea lions are curious and playful. California sea lion Celia took a dip in the temperature-controlled saltwater pool while staff cleared out snow from American Trail’s sea lion exhibit.
Pallas’s Cat
Pallas’s cat Akar wasn’t actually grumpy. That’s just how her face looks!
Akar emerged from her heated den at Claws & Paws Pathway to inspect the fresh blanket of snow. Pallas’s cats have long, dense fur and small bodies that help them conserve heat. On cold days, they'll warm their paws by placing them on top of their bushy tails.
Domestic Cattle
At Kids’ Farm, Hereford cow Willow is well suited to handle the snowy weather — even if she looks like she’s over it. In autumn and winter, cattle tend to pack on more calories to maintain a hefty, insulated body condition.
Canada Lynx
With a name like Canada lynx, you'd expect these cats to thrive in the cold... and you'd be right. Canada lynx are highly adapted to deal with Arctic-level temperatures, so the Washington, D.C., snow didn’t interrupt Yukon’s day of perching and prowling through his habitat at Great Cats.
Przewalski’s Horse
Outside the Small Mammal House, Przewalski’s horse Dhalores took in the crisp air. The only truly wild species of horse, Przewalski’s horses use their powerful hooves to smash through ice in their native Eurasian steppe habitat.
Mountain Zebra
At our conservation science campus in Front Royal, Virginia, Hartmann’s mountain zebra Xolani and her 7-month-old foal Zera investigated the blanket of snow before heading back to the warmth of their indoor barn.
Cheetahs
And finally, the stars of the Cheetah Cub Cam took in the snowy views of Front Royal. As cam watchers know, the four cubs and their mother, Amabala, have spent a great deal of time exploring their outdoor yards. But if you tune in at night, you might be able to spot them snuggling in their heated den.
Want more animal stories, scientific insights and behind-the-scenes updates? Sign up for our newsletter and stay connected to the conservation work we’re doing at the Zoo and in the wild.