Snow Day

Brookgreen Gardens had some unusual weather this week.  The roads and paths are very icy, and we even saw some snow this morning!  Unfortunately, we were closed to visitors yesterday and today, but things will warm up tomorrow.

When we have severe weather of any kind, the zookeepers have a decision to make.  Most of our animals like to eat every day!  We have to balance the safety of our staff with the needs of our animals.  For this winter weather, the zookeepers that lived closest to Brookgreen came in to get everything done.  It gives us an appreciation for our northern coworkers!

 

 Turkey vultures

Fortunately, we have only South Carolina native animals in our collection.  It does get cold here, and they are well adapted for the weather with a little help from us.  Other zoos have to worry about keeping African and tropical species happy in the winter!

The animal sculptures had a nice layer of ice on them.

 

The zoo birds just tolerate the weather, but the otters have a great time playing in the snow and ice.

In January and February, Brookgreen is a fantastic place for birdwatching.  For those of you that get a little overexcited when you see a cedar waxwing, I included my bird list from today:

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-rumped Warbler

American Robin - saw over 150 yesterday

Red-winged Blackbirds - about 50

Cedar Waxwing

Dark-eyed Junco

Blue Jay

Cardinal

American Crow

Mourning Dove

Great Egret

Anhinga

Lots of Eastern Bluebirds and Carolina Chickadees around, but not today!