Zoo Miami Prepares Animals for Rare Weekend Freeze

Chimpanzees, orangutans, and other sensitive species moved to heated habitats ahead of plummeting temperatures.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of an unusually cold weekend forecast in Miami, officials at Zoo Miami are relocating several animals to heated habitats to protect them from the freezing temperatures. Small mammals, reptiles, birds, chimpanzees, and orangutans are being moved indoors or given extra insulation, while larger animals like lions and tigers will remain outdoors as they can better tolerate the cold weather.

Why it matters

While Miami experiences some cold snaps each year, the zoo's communications director says this upcoming freeze is expected to be the worst in over a decade, with temperatures the animals have likely never experienced before. Ensuring the animals' safety and comfort is a top priority for the zoo during these rare extreme weather events.

The details

Zoo staff are providing the relocated animals with heated habitats, lush bedding, and soft blankets to help them maintain their core body warmth. Larger animals like the lions and tigers will remain outdoors, as jungle cats are better equipped to handle the frosty weather. The zoo has also installed massive windbreaks around the outdoor habitats to block as much cold air as possible.

  • The animals are being moved to heated habitats ahead of the upcoming weekend freeze.

The players

Zoo Miami

A zoo located in Miami, Florida that is relocating several animals to heated habitats to protect them from an unusually cold weekend forecast.

Ron Magill

The communications director for Zoo Miami who stated that this upcoming freeze is expected to be the worst in over a decade, with temperatures the animals have likely never experienced before.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You know, we've had these cold snaps and pretty much every year, but not to the extent that this one is. I don't think we're gonna experience temperatures like this for over 10 years, for over a decade so most of these animals have never experienced that kind of temperature, so we've got to provide them with the type of protection, security that's gonna get them through the nights.”

— Ron Magill, Communications Director (WSVN)

The takeaway

This story highlights how zoos must be prepared to protect their animals during rare extreme weather events, even in typically warm climates like Miami. By relocating sensitive species and providing extra insulation, the zoo is ensuring the animals' safety and comfort during an unusually severe cold snap.