We investigate the potential of using electrically tunable liquid crystal lenses (TLCLs) to record the activity of small animals in the Canadian Arctic. This suggests extreme temperature conditions that may dramatically change the TLCL's parameters. Our analysis is performed on the example of "modal-control" TLCLs. Temperature dependences of main parameters are presented for TLCLs made with 5CB and ultra-low viscosity LCs. We finally propose an approach allowing to "athermalize" such lenses by adjusting certain control parameters, to maintain good optical performance. Other factors and limitations that affect the lens performance with temperature change are also discussed.