The Bioparco, the Rome zoo housed in Villa Borghese, has put into action a series of measures to combat the cold and bad weather for its four-legged (and otherwise) residents. Particular attention is paid to the various species' diets and since December 2001 when the "chimp village" was built, a modern under-floor heating system has been operational during the winter months. The "anti-cold" operation generally functions until mid-March.

The Christmas period will see the zoo organise a series of events for children: at 11.00 on 26 December, there will be a workshop to create New Year decorations and stockings for the Epiphany in the Sala degli Elefanti, followed by story-telling by an "elf"; at 12.00 and 15.00 a Christmas animal theatre show will take place. On 6 January, from 12.00-16.00 in the Sala degli Elefanti, there will be entertainment, games and workshops, as well as an animal puppet-show.

These activities are included in the entrance fee: entry is free for children under 1 metre tall,