SNOW DAY BLANKETS GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER
A rare winter storm in Louisiana brought inches of snow to Global Wildlife Center! For many of our animals, this was their first time encountering snow and ice. This novel weather event was great enrichment for the many species at Global Wildlife. Our herd of Bison and Clyde the Bactrian camel were in their element with their thick winter coats! Many species, like the fallow deer, donkeys, llamas and little blackbuck antelopes, moved into shelters during the storm and emerged afterwards to a winter wonderland. Capybara pups Babs, Milo, and Otis experienced ice and snow for the first time – and enjoyed it! The ice was a great, crunchy treat for them. The Animal Care Team offered snow to the giraffes (safely ensconced in their heated barn) for enrichment, but only baby Obi relished the icy addition to his normal diet of browse, alfalfa, and Mazuri.
Many special thanks to our veterinarian and Director of Animal Programs Dr. Kanyon for staying on-site and along with our Animal Care Team Manager Erika and the dedicated Animal Care team for their excellent care of the animals during this unprecedented event! We are also grateful for our on-site Operations Manager Aaron for his overnight trips to the giraffe barn to make sure temperatures were perfect and for keeping Global’s facilities functioning.
Many thousands of pounds of food were distributed to the animals during this snowy week! Forty hay bales were scattered throughout the wildlife preserve and replenished as needed to make sure our animals had plenty to eat and bed down in. Heated shelters, barns and exhibits helped to keep them warm and safe.
The cold weather was good for the landscape as well. As the snow and ice melt, much will absorb into the ground, feeding wells, other water sources such as our lakes and ponds at Global Wildlife, and the plants (once things warm up)! With the weather warming, we’re seeing lots of green grass starting to sprout. We’ve also seen many migratory bird species in and around the Center, so keep an eye out for new neighbors! Winter is actually the best time for backyard birding because so many species are moving through the state. We re-open to the public on February 1st, so book your tour and bring your binoculars to see our winter visitors at Global Wildlife!
