Which zoo animals enjoy the sunny weather? - German zoos see split in animal behavior as mild February disrupts winter habits
Mild February temperatures have brought a shift in behaviour for animals across German zoos. While some species relish the warmth, others long for colder conditions. Keepers have noticed clear changes in activity as spring approaches.
Ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats are making the most of the sunshine by sprawling out in open areas. Visitors can now spot them lounging for hours, a stark contrast to their winter habits. Nearby, antelopes and gazelles are also stepping into the sun more often, giving guests better chances to observe them.
For birds, the season signals a return to activity. Roller birds, hammerheads, and buffalo weavers have left their winter shelters, filling enclosures with movement and calls. Meanwhile, Humboldt penguins are already preparing for mating, staking out nesting spots along rocky edges.
Not all animals welcome the warmth. Snowy owls and Arctic foxes, which thrive in freezing conditions, appear less engaged. In past winters—like 2023 to 2025—cold snaps below -5°C in northern Germany triggered natural behaviours such as extended hunting simulations and burrowing. This year's milder spell, hovering around 0–5°C, has reduced those patterns, according to reports from Berlin and Munich zoos. Red pandas, too, show more energy in chilly weather, exploring their habitats with greater curiosity.
The season also brings physical changes. Bactrian camels and ibexes are starting to shed their thick winter coats, a process that will continue as temperatures rise.
The unseasonably warm February has split zoo residents into two groups: those basking in the sun and those missing the cold. With spring underway, mating rituals and coat-shedding will become more visible. Zoos expect these trends to continue as the weather stabilises in the coming weeks.
