UTICA, NY – The Utica Zoo may not be as active in the winter months, but things were a little different Saturday during their “Winter in the Wild” event.

Besides seeing all the animals, zoo-goers had the opportunity to snowshoe around the zoo, try their luck at a scavenger hunt, and participate in various other activities.

Central New York Olympians Erin Hamlin (Luge), Rob Esche (Hockey), and Louie Ehrensbeck (Biathalon) were also on hand for a question and answer panel discussion.

Mark Simon, Utica Zoo’s Marketing Coordinator, says there’s always something to do at the zoo.

“The zoo is open all year round. Our attendance is much lower during the winter, but we have so many animals that are winter animals, even the African lions. You usually don’t expect to see them out in the snow, but all three were born right here at the zoo, so they’ve been around the cold their entire lives.”

Zoo officials say the animals are a little more active and engaging with the public this time of year as opposed to the summer months when they’re trying to keep cool.