Animals at the Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit look their best when the public can't see them.
Visitors to the local zoo are used to straining to find wolves coyotes or caribou on a hot day as the animals typically hide out in the shade. But in winter, when the zoo is closed, the animals are out in full force.
"This is the time to see them plus their fur is in its prime condition," city parks manager Paul Fayrick said. "They're big and furry and happy."
It's the reason Fayrick wants to open the zoo up for at least one day during the winter to let the animals show off their winter coats. Animals that can stay outside for the season with wind shelters in pens if needed.
As for those that can't handle the cold, mostly birds, winter in a nearby building dubbed "the motel.”
"They're warm and cared for in their," Fayrick said.
