35 Zoo Animals Freeze to Death

Cold temps knock out power, heat in Mexico zoo
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 6, 2011 7:23 AM CST
35 Animals Freeze to Death in Mexican Zoo
A capuchin monkey named Joey, like one that froze to death in a zoo in Chihuahua, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Thirty-five animals at a zoo in the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua have frozen to death during the region's coldest weather in six decades. Serengeti Zoo owner Alberto Hernandez says 14 parrots, 13 serpents, five iguanas, two crocodiles, and a capuchin monkey died. He said today that power failures cut off electrical heating at the zoo in the town of Aldama.

Temperatures have dropped to 9 degrees Fahrenheit in the area, the coldest weather in 60 years. Power outages have affected much of northern Mexico, forcing factories and businesses to close. Dozens of people are in shelters. Schools have been closed in Chihuahua state but are expected to open Tuesday as the weather warms. (More Mexico stories.)

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