Moncton's Magnetic Hill Zoo helps animals cope with snow

Staff at Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo have been busy trying to help the animals deal with the heavy snowfall that has covered the city this winter.

Bernard Gallant, the zoo’s co-ordinator, said dealing with the series of snowstorms has kept staff busy.

“We have precautions," said Gallant. "What we usually do if we know there's going to be a snowstorm tonight, our first thing is we lock all of our animals in — all of our big cats, bears, and everybody goes in.”

Jamie Carson, an animal care foreman, said too much snow can put the animals, most of which stay outdoors year-round, at risk.

One of the problems with the heavy snow is that it could offer an escape route.

"One thing we have to be very careful of is that snow build-up in any of our open-topped exhibits at the zoo, to compromise the safety of the animal, being able to possibly gain access,” Carson said.

“So every day, every exhibit that's open top is checked by qualified staff to be sure that the snow level isn't high enough where there would be any issues there."

Gallant and Carson both agree that the animals don't seem to mind the snow.

“The animals are more active, they are happier, they tend to be more playful at this time of the year, but unfortunately, people don't see that,” Gallant said.

The zoo typically opens on weekends in March.

But staff say there's still too much snow to ensure it's safe for visitors.