The Erie Zoo will close for the season on Friday, re-opening March 1, 2013.
The annual closing began 10 years ago to cut utility and snow plowing costs. And it's worked.
Zoo Director Scott Mitchell said, "We anticipate between $75 thousand and $80 thousand in savings, primarily as a result of manpower cutbacks."
Many of the animal exhibits have already closed, with animals moved to warmer, indoor areas.
Hundreds of tropical plants have also been moved into greenhouses to protect them from the winter weather.