Most people visit the zoo during the warmer months when they can see the most animals, but there are certain perks to going in the winter.
Much like humans, animals like to laze around when it’s hot out. Instead of kicking their feet up with an ice-cold beer, many animals tend to relax in the shade.
On the other hand, certain animals love the cold weather and are most active during the winter.
These winter-loving animals include snow leopards, Amur tigers, Arctic wolves, Canada lynx, red pandas, snowy owls, reindeer, and Sichuan takin.
Besides their love of snow, these animals have one other thing in common: heavily insulated fur coats or feathers that keep them warm, allowing them to explore, interact, and play to their heart’s content.
Shorter winter days also make it easier to observe animals that are most active during dusk and dawn.
Think of it this way. Would you rather watch a chimpanzee scratch its butt during the summer, or observe an Amur tiger playing in the winter snow?
DID YOU KNOW? The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, is an endangered species. In 2022, it was estimated that between 265 to 486 Amur tigers were left in the wild.
If you are itching to visit a zoo, the Edmonton Valley Zoo (EVZ) is a great option.
The zoo is home to over 350 animals across 100 species. From two-toed sloths to meerkats, there’s something for everyone at the EVZ.
If you are worried about price, the cost of admission at the EVZ is cheaper from January 2 to March 31.
Fewer people visit zoos during the winter, meaning you can enjoy watching the animals at your own pace! Now, what can you expect on your winter visit to the EVZ?
Xena
Xena is a Canada lynx. More importantly, she is a diva. According to Mia, one of Xena’s caretakers, she has the most attitude of any other cat at the zoo.
Xena is a hunter through and through. She is capable of spotting a mouse 75 metres away and can jump incredibly high without breaking a sweat.
One of Xena’s favourite possessions is a mirror that hangs in her habitat. She likes to pee on the mirror to let everyone know it’s hers. You can have it, Xena.
Xena also enjoys clawing her soccer ball, rolling around in straw, and investigating her habitat when it changes from time to time.
Xena’s favourite food to chow down on is rabbit. She likes to play with her food, flinging it around in the air before eating it. Don’t worry, the EVZ doesn’t feed its animals live prey.
Shilah
Shilah isn’t your typical Arctic wolf. Her mom wasn’t the greatest, so the EVZ stepped up to raise her. Today, Shilah is quite friendly with some of her caretakers, some of which refer to her as a “princess.”
Shilah is closest with Wade, one of her caretakers who has been part of her pack for 12 years. Whenever she sees him, Shilah whines out of excitement.
If Shilah accepts you as part of her pack, you will know. She will walk up and sniff you without showing her teeth. The initiation process is complete when she rolls onto her side and pees a little.
Shilah also loves to go for walks around the zoo, just don’t ask to pet her! She is a wolf, not a dog.
For being a princess, Shilah’s choice of enrichment is…questionable. Shilah gets her kicks by rolling around in poop, be it elephant poop or horse manure.
When she isn’t rolling around in poop, Shilah loves to smell the herbs in her enrichment garden, especially lavender.
Pip
Pip is an adorable red panda that lives at the EVZ with her mate, Kalden, and their daughter Paprika. Pip is quite introverted, but she is still the first to greet her caretakers at the door.
Her biggest pet peeve is her daughter. As her name suggests, Paprika is spicy. During her terrible twos, Pip had to keep her head on a swivel in case Paprika was getting up to no good.
Although Pip is patient, she draws the line at grape theft. Whenever Paprika tries to snatch one of her grapes, Pip doesn’t hesitate to smack her.
Speaking of grapes, they are Pip’s favourite food! She loves a good grape and banana spread over bamboo. On hot days, Pip enjoys pureed grapes frozen in ice cube trays.
In addition to grapes, Pip eats broccoli, cooked carrots, and sweet potatoes. She enjoys exploring her home, which includes hammocks for lounging, trees for swinging, and air conditioning to keep it cool.
Xena, Shilah, and Pip are just three of the incredible animals at the EVZ. If you are looking for a quieter zoo experience this winter, why not pay them a visit?
