Warm Weather Visits

When visiting during the warm days of summer, we have some tips to help you make the most of your visit. When the temperatures soar, we work hard to ensure that both guests and animals stay cool and comfortable. And don’t forget—we're open rain or shine!

Keeping guests cool: 

• Water fountains are available near restrooms throughout the Zoo. See map.
• On high heat days, cool off in our mist tent located near the reindeer habitat. 
• Our cafe, giftshop and snack stands offer a variety of ice cream and frozen treats, along with cold beverages and water.
• Cool down in our indoor air-conditioned Animal Discovery Center.
• Take a break in the shade on one of our benches throughout the zoo.
• Stop by our gift shop for sunny day essentials—hats, lip balm, sunscreen, and more!

Keeping animals cool:

• Many animals with access to the outdoors have the choice to stay in their indoor spaces, which are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. This allows them to choose the environment where they feel most comfortable.
• Various habitats include fans, misters, shade structures, cooling platforms, mud wallows, and pools for cooling off throughout the day.
• We make ice treats by freezing either novel foods or regular parts of the animals' diets, offering a cool snack that also stimulates their senses. 
• Our care team follows temperature and weather guidelines closely, and monitors the animals’ behaviors daily. During extreme heat, some animals may be brought into cooler indoor spaces for their own comfort.