Sanctuary animals prep for winter storm; tigers, bears, pigs – video

Staff at Black Beauty Ranch in Texas cares for nearly 600 animal residents rescued from cruelty and neglect who live at the 1,400-acre sanctuary. They meet the animals’ every need including keeping warm in the winter. With the big winter storm predicted to hit this weekend, the staff and animals are busy preparing. The sanctuary is part of Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States.

Most of the over 40 species at Black Beauty, like the tigers, bears and primates, have heated indoor areas and warm shelters in their expansive habitats and pastures where they instinctually know to go when weather fluctuates. When the temperatures drop this weekend, they will naturally go into their prepared, large warm shelters.

Other species here love the cold weather including hundreds of horses and bison, who originate from cold weather. The cold brings out their playful side and we often see them joyfully running through their pastures.

Black Beauty Ranch caregivers provide a lot of additional hay for extra warm bedding and to make sure the animals have plenty to eat. Staff are always checking propane tanks to make sure they are filled to keep heaters running and checking generators to confirm they are functioning properly in case the sanctuary was to lose power.

Download video/photos that include:  

• Tigers Serenity and Theodora enjoying their indoor area filled with extra hay to keep them warm.

• Pigs Ernest, Monet, Truffles and friends busy making their warm hay beds

• Russell the bear trying out his indoor hay bed.

• Horses loving the cold weather and snowflakes.

• Curious goats checking out the large hay bales they will use for warmth and food.

• Longhorns Brian, Waldo and pals bulking up on hay to keep warm as the temperatures are dropping.

• Bison prancing around in the cold.