When it's too cold for even the polar bears, you know this year's so-called "polar vortex" is intense. The Associated Press reports that Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo polar bear, Anana, spent her Monday indoors due to below-zero temperatures.
According to Zoo spokeswoman, Sharon Dewar, Chicago's current frigid climate is similar to what wild polar bears might experience, but because Anana lacks a thick layer of body fat as she eats zoo-prepared food instead of wild seals and whale carcasses, the current temperatures are too much for even her. As the rest of the year proves to be much warmer in Chicago, Anana is fed a less fatty diet to keep her comfortable.
Tuesday morning, temperatures in Atlanta were at 8 degrees Fahrenheit, and 6 degrees below in the north Georgia mountains, according to FOX News. In New York City's Central Park, an 118-year record was broken when the temperatures dipped to 4 degrees, comparable to a previous 1896 record of 6 degrees. As for Chicago, Anana went indoors to escape a record-breaking minus 16 for Jan. 7.
In her indoor enclosure, however, Anana enjoys temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, though she was allowed to venture outside today, as normally she is given both outdoor and indoor access.
