The animals of Belfast Zoo woke to a winter wonderland this morning. While many of the resident animals preferred to stay tucked up in their heated houses, some decided to have some fun in the elements. Species such as the penguins and red pandas naturally thrive in such conditions. However, others surprised their keepers with their willingness on getting out into the snow, such as the gorillas who took breakfast outside with silverback Gugas making snowballs for a treat.
Chilean Flamingos can naturally be found at high altitudes where temperatures can drop below freezing. Standing on one leg preserves body heat.
It’s business as usual for the Gentoo Penguins of Belfast Zoo, who enjoy swimming even in the chilly weather.
Being a native species of the British Isles, the Scottish Wild Cat is perfectly adept at dealing with the snow.
However, the Wildcat’s larger relatives, the Barbary Lions, were less keen on the weather and more than happy to watch the snow from the warmth of their den.
Emilia the Southern Pudu, which is a species native to the rainforests of Argentina and Chile, was less than keen on moving far from her heated house.
Red Panda Cub Flint (right) who was born in June of 2023, was especially brave today when experiencing his very first snow. He and mum Vixen wasted no time munching on their bamboo breakfast.
Namoki the female Western Lowland Gorilla explores her snowy surrounding.
2-year-old Kofi preferred to stay warm and dry by clinging to mum Kamili’s back.
Silverback Gugas prepares some snowballs to eat as a post-breakfast snack.
Swing by the zoo and make the most of our kids go free offer this January! Belfast Zoo is open every day, 10am – 4pm with last admission at 2.30pm. Admission can be booked online at www.belfastzoo.co.uk