Most of the residents at the Akron Zoo are embracing the cold temperatures.

While some zoo visitors may think the animals stay indoors or hibernate, close to 85 percent of the creatures are viewable all year round.

Akron Zoo Spokesperson David Barnhardt says the zoo has focused on obtaining animals that can endure snow and ice.

The South American penguins even have their bath drawn for them daily.

"We do heat their water to a certain temperature and they don't mind coming out at all," Barnhardt said.

The bright pink flamingos enjoy staying outside in the snow, but zookeepers do have to monitor them when it's icy.

"Because of those thin, fragile legs, they can slip on the, so if it's icy, we have to move them in," he said.

Wild Winters At the Akron Zoo by WAKR Lindsay McCoy

Zookeepers assist in moving animals that want a warm place to rest. Barnhardt says they often reorganize space at the zoo's animal hospital and inside additional buildings.

Starting this month, the zoo will host Saturday programs. On Saturdays in January, guests may visit the zoo for its Cabin Feaver Reilever program. The Akron Zoo is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April.

Click here for upcoming program details. 

On the web: AkronZoo.org