Flake Ice Creates a Winter Wonderland for Animals at Zoos and Aquariums

Think about a zoo or aquarium and how important ice is for creating an ideal environment for cold weather animals. For decades, zoos and aquariums all over the world have relied on flake ice as an essential tool for animals accustomed to cold climates. As a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and manufacturer of high quality flake ice equipment, Howe Corporation plays a key role in providing flake ice solutions that enrich the lives of countless animals.

A Commitment to Animal Welfare

The AZA is a global organization dedicated to animal welfare, conservation, and education. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums fund over 2,500 conservation projects in more than 100 countries, spending an average of $160 million on conservation initiatives annually. Initiatives like the Species Survival Plan Program support threatened species through conservation breeding, public education, habitat preservation, and research.

By partnering with AZA and manufacturing high-capacity flake ice machines that generate as much as 40,000 pounds of ice per day, Howe Corp has become part of the solution to keep cold-weather animals living in similar conditions to those found in the wild.

Creating Cool Comfort for Penguins

Penguins rely heavily on flake ice in zoos and aquariums. The Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo provides a great example of how flake ice enhances penguin’s lives. Every day, two 4,000-pound capacity Howe flake ice machines produce 8,000 pounds of ice to cover the exhibit floor. This creates a three-inch layer of icy “snow” for the penguins to walk, play, and rest on. At the end of each day, zoo workers remove old ice and replace it with fresh ice, ensuring a pristine environment that keeps these aquatic birds happy and healthy.

Enriching Polar Bear Habitats

Polar bears also benefit greatly from flake ice. These majestic creatures thrive in sub-Arctic conditions, and flake ice allows zoos and aquariums to replicate the pack ice they would find in their natural habitats. Flake ice is not only cool but also packable, which makes it ideal for recreating icy landscapes where the bears can play, eat, and relax.

Howe Rapid Freeze® Ice Flakers are capable of producing thousands of pounds of ice per day to enhance a polar bear’s environment and overall well-being.

Beyond Cold-Weather Animals

We have shown how flake ice supports quality of life for cold-weather species, but its benefits extend to other animals as well. Monkeys, for instance, enjoy the cooling sensation of flake ice during hot summer months. The versatility of flake ice makes it a valuable addition to habitats across various climates, enriching the lives of animals in diverse ways.

Flake Ice is Key to Creating Natural Environments in Zoos and Aquariums

Zoos and aquariums work hard to recreate the natural habitats of the animals in their care. Flake ice helps bridge this gap by creating winter wonderland environments that feel authentic and comfortable to animals.

Flake ice machines have revolutionized the way zoos and aquariums care for their animals. Large capacity and reliable production of flake ice allows caregivers to create a frozen playground for penguins, build a simulated Arctic environment for polar bears, and pleasant cooling areas for animals in the summer. Howe Corporation’s flake ice technology ensures that animals thrive in zoo and aquarium environments as close to their natural habitats as possible.

Howe Manufactures Flake Ice Equipment for Zoos & Aquariums

Howe Corp has been manufacturing ice machines for a wide range of purposes since our founding back in 1912, and our flake ice equipment has been used in zoos, theme parks, and aquariums across the U.S. for decades.

As a member of AZA, we are excited to support the efforts of animal conservationists and scientists with our machines. For more information about our flake ice equipment for zoos and aquariums, please contact one of our experts today!