With the arrival of cold weather, the
Minsk Zoo has officially opened its winter season. During this time, warm-weather animals are moved to indoor pavilions where comfortable conditions are maintained for their habitation. Some inhabitants, such as arctic foxes in their winter fur, will be seen by visitors for the first time.
The winter season has brought changes not only to the location of animals but also to their diet. Predators have received larger portions, and fasting days have been removed to help them accumulate energy during the cold season. Seasonal fruit treats have also been added to the menu for other inhabitants: instead of apricots, peaches, and watermelons, there are now persimmons, pomegranates, and kiwis.
Comfortable Relocation
The transition to winter conditions is organized as smoothly as possible. Most of the zoo enclosures are designed so that animals can move between open and closed areas. During winter, access to the outdoor sections is simply blocked off, eliminating stress and lengthy transportation.
"Now even the most temperature-sensitive inhabitants, such as banded mongooses, are safe and comfortable," noted junior researcher Oksana Buko.
New Inhabitants and Experiences
In winter, zoo visitors can meet arctic foxes, including both classic white and veil-colored ones, which look especially striking in their winter coats. Additionally, in the exotarium, where the temperature is maintained at around 25 degrees Celsius year-round, visitors can see chimpanzees, parrots, flamingos, pelicans, and other inhabitants.
New Operating Hours
With the transition to the winter season, the operating hours of the Minsk Zoo have changed. It is now open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with tickets available for purchase until 5:45 PM.
The Minsk Zoo continues to delight guests with its diverse inhabitants. Its collection includes around 400 species of exotic animals and rare representatives of Belarusian fauna. The winter season is a great time to see unique animals in new conditions.