What happens when animals are forced to stay indoors for days during a winter storm? At the Dallas Zoo, officials say the answer includes enrichment plans, adjusted routines and around-the-clock monitoring.
With severe winter weather expected to blanket North Texas as soon as Friday afternoon, zoo officials said Wednesday that they are implementing storm protocols that include relocating animals to indoor enclosures and adjusting daily routines to keep animals mentally and physically engaged.
Alpaca feeds on hays at the Dallas Zoo, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Dallas. The zoo is getting ready for the incoming storms this weekend. Keepers are closely monitoring temperatures, wind, and lightning.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
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“For this kind of weather, none of them will be really outside,” said Keith Zdrojewski, the zoo’s senior mammal curator. “Most animals here will be in their indoor enclosures.”
As of Wednesday, the Dallas Zoo said it plans to remain open this weekend but will monitor conditions and could delay opening or closing if necessary, according to Devan George, a Dallas Zoo spokesperson.
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Updates will be posted on the zoo’s social media accounts. Guests with tickets will be notified directly if any changes are made, zoo officials said.
Whether open or closed, the Dallas attraction will implement special weather-related protocols.
Some zoo inhabitants, like the African painted dog, flamingos, and other bird species, can be outside for a longer period of time, according to Zdrojewski.
African Painted Dog rest in its habitat at the Dallas Zoo, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Dallas . The Dallas Zoo is getting ready for the incoming storms this weekend. Keepers are closely monitoring temperatures, wind, and lightning. All animals at the Dallas Zoo will be indoors as a safety precaution with exception of the African Painted dogs because they can be in extreme weather.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
While indoor sheltering can protect animals from harsh weather conditions, it also limits their access to outdoor habitats and reduces their normal activities, creating challenges for animal care teams.
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“Humans can stay inside and watch Netflix,” Zdrojewski said.” When animals are inside for days, it can get pretty boring for them.”
To address the animal’s limited activity levels, zoo staffers said they prepare enrichment activities ahead of the storm, which is important because the attraction’s staffing levels may also be impacted by the inclement weather and poor travel conditions.
Visitors watch for lions at Dallas Zoo, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Dallas . The Dallas Zoo is getting ready for the incoming storms this weekend. Keepers are closely monitoring temperatures, wind, and lightning.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
“The staff has to set up days of enrichment that they can use,” Zdrojewski said.” We don’t have the amount of staff that we normally have, so we have to get very creative.”
Enrichment activities vary by species and include puzzle boards with raisins as a motivator and a reward. Animals will do some training that they normally do to practice skills. Zoo staff will also use audio and visual enrichment, such as nature sounds and even nature television programs.
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“If you have animals like elephants or gorillas, you can put stuff on the outside of their mesh, and they can use tools or different ways to try to get them,” Zdrojewsky said.
Zoo officials say they plan to monitor weather conditions and animals’ behavior throughout the storm period and will adjust their plans as needed.
“Some of these decisions will be made on the day of, depending on what actually happens,” Zdrojewski said. “We’re monitoring it minute by minute.”
Grace Horgan, 5, feeds a giraffe at the Dallas Zoo, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Dallas. The zoo is getting ready for the incoming storms this weekend. Keepers are closely monitoring temperatures, wind, and lightning.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
While fewer animals are on exhibit during the storm, zoo staff said animal care continues behind the scenes, with routines adapted to indoor conditions until outdoor habitats are safe to reopen.
“We have to think about how we keep them entertained and keep their minds functioning while not putting them outside because it’s too dangerous,” Zdrojewski said.