LUDLOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The extreme cold is dangerous for more than just people, our team coverage now turns to western mass news to the story of how one local zoo is protecting their animals during these frigid temperatures.

“it’s a lot more difficult in the winter, because it’s a 24/7 labor of love,” said Wally Lupa the Director of Animal Care at the Lupa Zoo.

The Lupa Zoo may be closed for the season, but there’s a lot more work they have to take care off during these months.

“we’re painting and cleaning and refreshing, so the zoo is still very much active, even though we don’t have anybody visiting,” Wally Lupa, the Director of animal care, told Western Mass News that the employees work around the clock to make sure every single animal is receiving the best care possible in these temperatures.

Some animals, like the zebras and exotic birds, have their own buildings or greenhouses to keep them warm, with heated floors, boilers, and gas heaters.

“We’ll probably be close to over 80, 90 grand just in electric and fuel bills. But that’s what we need to get through the winter,” Lupa said.

But not all the animals are fortunate enough to stay in the greenhouse during the winter. Some animals, like the American bison, are stuck outside throughout the year.

“Animals that are outside, say like the elan or the antelope, they need to eat extra well. And they have to be out of the wind. So, we have shelters with nice warm bedding, fresh straw so they’re dry. All the animals stay here at the zoo. They don’t go anywhere. They all have their enclosures. And we have redundant heating systems. So just in case something conks down,” Lupa said.

The zoo is set to reopen to visitors in April, but of course, financial donations are accepted throughout the year.

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