Belfast Zoo animals enjoy first snow of 2024

The animals of Belfast Zoo woke to a winter wonderland on Monday morning, January 15.

Northern Ireland was under a yellow 'snow and ice' warning on Monday that was extended through at least Tuesday afternoon.

While many of Belfast Zoo's resident animals preferred to stay tucked up in their heated houses amidst the cold weather, some decided to have some fun in the elements.

Species such as the penguins and red pandas naturally thrive in such conditions, Belfast Zoo said on Monday.

However, others surprised their keepers with their willingness to get out into the snow, such as the gorillas who took breakfast outside with silverback Gugas making snowballs for a treat.

Belfast Zoo shared these snaps of its residents enjoying the wintry weather.

Chilean Flamingos can naturally be found at high altitudes where temperatures can drop below freezing. Standing on one leg preserves body heat.

(Belfast Zoo)

Its business as usual for the Gentoo Penguins of Belfast Zoo, who enjoy swimming even in the chilly weather.

(Belfast Zoo)

Being a native species of the British Isles, the Scottish Wild Cat is perfectly adept at dealing with the snow.

(Belfast Zoo)

However, the Wildcat’s larger relatives, the Barbary Lions, were less keen on the weather and more than happy to watch the snow from the warmth of their den.

(Belfast Zoo)

Emilia the Southern Pudu, which is a species native to the rainforests of Argentina and Chile, was less than keen on moving far from her heated house.

(Belfast Zoo)

Red Panda Cub Flint (right) who was born in June of 2023, was especially brave today when experiencing his very first snow. He and mum Vixen wasted no time munching on their bamboo breakfast.