SUAMICO, WI – As smoky skies continue to linger over Northeast Wisconsin and temperatures climb, the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico is taking proactive steps to protect its animals from the harsh summer conditions.
Adventure Park Supervisor Nathaniel Wagner says several species have already been brought indoors to escape the smoky air, especially those that are older or more sensitive. “There have been a few days this summer, in this past month and into August here now, that we have brought in some of our elderly and sensitive animals,” Wagner said. “So some of our macaws, our crows, our prehensile-tailed porcupines.”
But it’s not just the smoke posing a challenge. The summer heat is also impacting animals that are more comfortable in colder climates. “Red pandas and snow leopards are very adept to cold weather, and not so much warm weather,” Wagner explained. “They live up in the mountains where it’s cooler, so they need those air-conditioned areas.”
To help them cope, the zoo has built specialized, climate-controlled shelters for the red pandas and snow leopards. Wagner added that all animals will remain indoors as long as necessary, with their health and safety remaining the zoo’s top priority.
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