At a Glance
- A polar bear was seen rolling in fresh snow at the Saint Louis Zoo after a historic storm dropped 8 to 12 inches of snow.
- The zoo closed on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 because of the extreme cold and snow removal needs.
- Veterinarians urged pet owners to protect their animals from sub-freezing temperatures and potential hazards like de-icing chemicals.
Why it matters: The footage shows how wildlife shelters manage severe weather and reminds pet owners of the dangers cold weather poses to animals.
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The Saint Louis Zoo captured a heart-warming moment on security cameras: a polar bear frolicking in the powdery snow that had settled in its enclosure after a weekend storm dropped between 8 and 12 inches of snow. The footage, shared on the zoo’s Facebook page on Sunday, showed the 3-year-old bear named Kallu pushing a toy ball into a pool, diving in, and then dragging his body across the soft snow while playing with another enrichment toy.
Snowstorm Impact on St. Louis
The historic winter storm that swept across the Midwest left St. Louis with temperatures well below freezing. According to the St. Louis American, the city recorded a storm that produced 8 to 12 inches of snowfall over the weekend. The heavy precipitation, combined with sub-freezing temperatures, prompted the zoo to close its doors on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Veterinary advisory issued by the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |
| Jan. 25 | First day of zoo closure; heavy snowfall reported |
| Jan. 26 | Second day of closure; snow removal ongoing |
The closure was announced to allow staff to safely work on snow removal and to protect both visitors and animals from the harsh conditions.
Kallu’s Snow Day
While most visitors stayed indoors, Kallu seemed unfazed by the cold. The footage shows him taking advantage of the snowy weather, rolling on his back to soak up the rare snow that settled on the rocks in his habitat. After a burst of playful energy-pushing a toy ball, diving into a pool, and dragging his body across the snow-he paused to rest before continuing his frolic.
The zoo’s social media team highlighted the bear’s enthusiasm, noting that the animal had “a few moments rolling around on his back to soak up the rare amount of snow that has settled atop the rocks in his habitat.” The video has since attracted attention from animal lovers and weather enthusiasts alike.
Veterinary Advice for Pet Owners
In the wake of the storm, veterinarians and animal welfare groups issued advisories to pet owners. The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a statement on Jan. 23 warning that “cold weather can be as dangerous for pets as it is for humans.” The advisory emphasized that animals have a harder time regulating body temperature and are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia during prolonged exposure.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) added that even pets with thick fur can become vulnerable in extreme cold. They cautioned that winter weather can worsen underlying conditions such as arthritis and introduce hazards like toxic de-icing chemicals, frozen water sources, and antifreeze spills.
Pet owners were urged to take extra precautions: keep pets indoors, provide warm bedding, avoid exposure to chemicals, and monitor for signs of cold-related illness.
The Broader Message
The combination of the zoo’s closure, the polar bear’s playful behavior, and the veterinary advisories underscores the importance of preparedness during severe winter weather. While wildlife facilities like the Saint Louis Zoo can manage snow and temperature challenges, domestic pets often lack the same protective measures and may suffer serious health consequences if left unprotected.
The video of Kallu’s snowy escapade serves as a reminder that animals-whether in captivity or at home-are affected by the same environmental forces. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, pet owners can help ensure their companions remain safe and healthy during the coldest months.
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Key Takeaways
- The Saint Louis Zoo closed on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 due to a heavy snowstorm that dropped 8 to 12 inches of snow.
- A 3-year-old polar bear named Kallu was captured playing in the snow, showcasing the zoo’s ability to keep animals engaged during extreme weather.
- Veterinary advisories on Jan. 23 warned that cold weather poses significant risks to pets, urging owners to protect them from frostbite, hypothermia, and chemical hazards.
By sharing the footage and the advisories, the zoo and veterinary groups highlighted both the resilience of wildlife and the vulnerability of domestic animals during severe winter conditions.
