Central Illinois has seen a cycle of sun, tornadoes, and snow over the past two weeks. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Executive Director of the Miller Park Zoo Jay Pratte told Regional Radio that the severe weather is something they always have to be prepared for when caring for their animals and staff. 

Pratte states that they had to learn some of their protocols the hard way. He notes a storm that knocked down a fence and allowed wallabies to get out of their enclosure and roam the zoo. 

Rapid changes in temperature can negatively affect many animals, however, the zoo is home to a few that don't mind the cold. Pratte mentions animals like the snow leopard and red wolves. 

The Miller Park Zoo is constantly training staff to react to any emergency situation including injuries to animals or staff. We'll have more on those trainings next week on regional radio. 

To learn more about the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, visit mpzs.org.