A sharp winter chill has transformed parts of Longleat into an icy playground, with several of its animal residents making the most of the freezing conditions.
The recent cold snap has seen Half Mile Pond partially freeze over, providing a striking backdrop for the estate’s Californian sea lions. Far from being fazed, the raft has been gliding beneath the surface before popping up to break through the thin sheets of ice for air — a scene that has caught the attention of keepers and visitors alike.
While the sight may look dramatic, the behaviour is perfectly natural. In the wild, Californian sea lions range far north, right up to the colder waters off the Alaskan coast, meaning icy conditions are well within their comfort zone.
Elsewhere on the estate, the cold weather has brought out a more playful side to some of Longleat’s smaller residents. In Jungle Kingdom, a pair of Asian short-clawed otters have been padding across their stream and enthusiastically investigating floating chunks of ice, turning them over with their nimble, finger-like paws.
Although Asian short-clawed otters would not normally encounter freezing temperatures in their natural habitat, Longleat’s keepers keep a close eye on all animals during colder spells. Each species has constant access to heated indoor areas, allowing them to regulate their own comfort while continuing to display natural behaviours outdoors.
With winter firmly gripping Wiltshire, the scenes offer a reminder that for many animals, cold weather brings curiosity rather than concern — and a chance to experience their environment in a very different way.
