The recent snowstorm brought several inches of snow, prompting the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to close its doors to the public for a couple of days. However, the animals and their caretakers made the most of it!

While maintenance teams worked diligently to clear the pedestrian paths, many of the animals—particularly those native to cooler climates—seized the chance to frolic, explore, and engage with their snowy environment.

Let’s take a closer look at the animals that braved the snow, both at the Zoo and at the Front Royal campus in Virginia.

Tigers, Opossums, Elephants, and More!

At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, animal keepers provide various enrichment activities to stimulate the animals, both physically and mentally. During a snow day, this means introducing snow into their habitats!

As part of their regular care, all outdoor animals have access to heated dens or indoor spaces to retreat to when temperatures drop. For those animals that reside indoors year-round, such as the residents of the Small Mammal House, keepers got creative by bringing a bit of snow inside for furry friends to enjoy.

Giant Pandas

This snowfall marked the first significant accumulation for the new giant pandas at the Zoo. Qing Bao and Bao Li took full advantage of the snowy conditions, climbing, diving, and rolling about in their winter wonderland. The fresh snow provided a delightful new type of enrichment for this rare panda duo, who are set to make their public debut on January 24.

California Sea Lion

Meanwhile, at American Trail, the sea lions were having their own kind of fun, taking a ‘polar plunge’! The colony, including 16-year-old Sidney, enjoyed the snowy landscape surrounding their outdoor pool. With their natural habitat stretching from southern Mexico to Alaska, these playful pinnipeds weren’t deterred by the cold!

Red Panda

Asa, a female red panda residing on the Asia Trail, was spotted playfully sticking her tongue out during the snowfall. Her thick fur, fluffy tail, and insulated paws make her perfectly adapted to chilly environments.

Asian Elephant

Even the Asian elephants braved the outdoors! These intelligent creatures can endure cooler temperatures, so Maharani (shown above) was intrigued enough to leave her warm barn and investigate the falling snow at Elephant Trails.

Cheetah

While some animals took the opportunity to play, others preferred to explore. At the conservation science campus in Front Royal, Virginia, the cheetahs were curious about the snow covering their habitat. These agile cats adapt well to the winter conditions of the Washington area, sporting thick fur coats that keep them comfy. Here, female cheetah Zura surveys her snowy domain from a hilltop.

Persian Onagers

Persian onagers, a distant relative to domestic horses and donkeys, are an endangered species that thrive in harsh, dry climates. Their origins in central Asia make them well-equipped to handle extreme temperatures, which is likely why these two were seen poking their noses into the snow.

Scimitar-Horned Oryx

Surprisingly, the scimitar-horned oryx, adapted to the deserts of northern Africa, thrives even in winter conditions. Did you know that winter nights in the Sahara can dip to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius)? This hardy herd of oryx manages the cold weather with ease!

If you’re considering a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, winter is an excellent time to go. Plan your visit now and prepare for an unforgettable experience with amazing animals!

Whether you’re passionate about animal care or just love seeing adorable animals, the National Zoo is the perfect destination for you. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature up close.