This content was published: December 14, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Koi are OK at Rock Creek pond
Photos and Story by James Hill
Brad Krohn, Veterinary Technology instructor, reports that the Koi in the fountain on the Rock Creek Campus have been doing well in spite of the low temperatures and frozen water. He said the Koi are a cool water species and have evolved in this very type of environmental extreme.
“They do currently have unfrozen water at deeper depths and their metabolic systems have ‘shut down’ as they typically do at these temperatures,” Krohn said. “They currently require no feeding and their oxygen demands are greatly reduced. They are alive, healthy and doing exactly what nature requires of them right now. These are amazing biological feats and should stimulate thought amongst us all.
Krohn said he will continue to monitor the fish closely and thanks all who have advocated for these valued animals, especially all Rock Creek employees who help maintain the Koi.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »