KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It's going to be frigid in East Tennessee for the next few days. For most people, that means staying huddled inside and putting on their warmest clothes. However, some animals embrace the cold weather.
Zoo Knoxville said it is taking steps to make sure animals and visitors alike are comfortable no matter the weather. Staff aim to give animals a choice in the kind of temperature they want to spend time in. Each animal has access to heated habitats if they want to find some warmth while the temperatures drop.
However, some species at the zoo flourish in the cold. The release said red pandas are native to snowy forests in China and relish outdoor winter conditions. Otters are also unfazed by cold weather since they swim in cold water daily.
Visitors at Zoo Knoxville may not be as adept at withstanding the cold. The zoo said it has indoor, climate-controlled spaces where people can encounter animals while staying warm. That includes the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation campus as well as exhibits like Wee Play, the Tiger Temple and Langur Landing.
Low temperatures are expected to drop to the low 20s on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, Wednesday is also expected to see a small increase in temperatures to a high of 48 degrees.
