Animals at Houston Zoo were treated to a rare frosty treat last week when a snowstorm swept through Texas.

In adorable video footage, an Asian elephant was seen trotting through the snow, while a North American river otter slid across icy terrain.

Nearby, sea lions seemed unbothered by the cold, splashing in their temperature-controlled pool as the snow drifted down around them.

For Houston residents, snowfall is a rare phenomenon. Historical records from the National Weather Service show that Houston has seen snow accumulations of more than an inch on just 11 occasions since 1920. The city’s most significant snowfall occurred in 1895, when 20 inches fell, shutting down the city in a once-in-a-lifetime event.

More recently, Houston experienced a light dusting of snow in February 2021 during a devastating winter storm that paralyzed much of the state.

This year’s snowfall was lighter, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches reported across parts of Southeast Texas, including Jefferson, Orange, and Harris counties.

The National Weather Service had issued blizzard warnings for some regions, cautioning against travel due to whiteout conditions. Schools, highways, and airports were temporarily shut down, disrupting daily life for millions.

Houston Zoo officials shared videos and images of the animals—including those from climates not used to such conditions—enjoying the rare snow day and the entertainment the white stuff provided.

Lions made paw prints, while capybaras were given a pile of snow to examine—and taste.

In a post on its own site, Houston Zoo said: “During the weather event, a group of 66 dedicated staff members stayed at the Zoo to ensure the security of the campus and watched as animals enjoyed the snow in a fun and enriching way.

“Each animal at the Houston Zoo receives specialized care tailored to their species’ needs, ensuring they remain comfortable during colder months. All animal buildings, barns, and night houses are equipped with heaters and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.”

The snow has since melted in Houston and the current forecast predicts no further snowfall for the city, with temperatures now hovering around 44°F (7°C). Rain is expected on January 29 and 30, followed by a return to sunny skies.

This isn’t the first time animals at a zoo have had the chance to enjoy snow. In 2022, zoo animals including bears and wallaby Bennet enjoyed themselves when heavy snow fell in Washington, D.C.

TEXAS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted raids around Texas on Sunday, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Sally Sparks, DEA Houston Division spokesperson, told Spectrum News, “The DEA Houston division along with our Department of Justice partners, is assisting DHS and other federal law enforcement partners with their targeted enforcement actions.”

Sparks added that the raids occurred in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Brownsville and McAllen.

On Jan. 20 and 21, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency concerning immigration, enacting multiple executive orders.

The first group of active-duty military personnel arrived in El Paso and San Diego last week to bolster border security, according to defense officials.

The Associated Press reported on Jan. 23 that no requests had been made to use military bases for migrant housing or troops for law enforcement.