Tulsa Zoo Prepares For More Cold Weather

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- As Green Country braces for yet another round of wintry weather, in a press release Thursday, the Tulsa Zoo said it has been preparing to keep its collection of almost 2,500 animals warm and safe.

The zoo lost one of its newest members to hypothermia earlier this January as Amira, a giraffe, died near the end of a three-week cold spell that left Tulsa below freezing for about three weeks.

01/11/2010 Related Story: Tulsa Zoo: Cold Weather A Suspected Factor In Death Of Second Giraffe

01/11/2010 Related Story: PETA Calls Giraffe's Cold Weather Death 'Unconscionable'

In early December another giraffe died during X-rays after suffering a neck injury seemingly during transport.

1/8/2010  Related Story: New Docs, Emails, Pics Shed Light On Tulsa Zoo Giraffe's Death

On Thanksgiving weekend, there were three giraffes at the Tulsa Zoo. Now, only one lone-surviving giraffe, Samburu, still calls Tulsa home.

Zoo Director Terrie Correll met with zoo staff early this week to cover cold weather procedures and make sure all animal areas are prepared for the cold temperatures and possible power outages.

To combat the bitter cold, some animals are brought in doors, such as the ostrich, emu and pelicans. Portable heaters and additional bedding are placed in exhibits, such as lions, tigers and giraffe. Keeper staff will also be monitoring the animals and the temperatures around the clock.

Should the icy conditions cause power outages, the Tulsa Zoo has a collection of permanent backup generators. 

The zoo also has several independent power sources, such as portable generators that can be used to keep the heat running.