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Europe's cold close zoo outside Paris

Hippopotamus drink in an icy pond, in the snow-covered Zoological Park of Thoiry, west of Paris, Friday Feb. 10, 2012. After an amazing period of mildness, Europe is currently experiencing a massive cold wave which includes France.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

Two greater kudus fight in the snow-covered Zoological Park of Thoiry, west of Paris, Friday Feb. 10, 2012. After an amazing period of mildness, Europe is currently experiencing a massive cold wave which includes France.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

Zebras are seen in ithe snow-covered Zoological Park of Thoiry, west of Paris, Friday Feb. 10, 2012. After an amazing period of mildness, Europe is currently experiencing a massive cold wave which includes France.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

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The Associated Press 4:31 PM Friday, February 10, 2012

THOIRY, France — A count who operates a zoological park on the grounds of his chateau outside Paris says some of his animals just can't take the cold this winter.

Paul de la Panouse wasn't surprised to see his ostriches and giraffes prefer the indoors, given where they come from. But even the elephant couldn't take Europe's brutal cold snap, despite its thick hide.

So Parc de Thoiry has been closed for five days, even though the bears, hippos, tigers and zebras couldn't care less and are happily prowling the 370-acre (150 hectare) grounds, including its frozen lakes.

"Ice skating," he said, regarding his giraffes and ostriches, "it's not for them."

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February 10, 2012 09:28 PM EST

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