The Brief Animals at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford are staying warm in the cold. The zoo's Florida black bears have entered torpor, a natural state of decreased activity where they become sleepier and less hungry than usual. As temperatures drop across Central Florida, the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is implementing winter safety protocols to protect its 350 residents. Behavioral changes in native speciesWhat we know:The zoo's Florida black bears have entered a state known as "torpor." This includes native ectotherms like box turtles and gopher tortoises, which require a controlled environment to stay safe when outdoor temperatures plummet.