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. 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 grounds, including its frozen lakes.

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