Zoo Animals Beat Heat with Blood Lollies

Chester zoo uses blood lollies to keep big cats cool during heat waves.
Zoos provide various cooling methods, including misting systems, frozen treats, and shaded spots.
Some animals, like dusky pademelons, use evaporative cooling by licking their wrists.
Humboldt penguins have body adaptations to cope with warm climates.
Zoos ensure animals have options to choose what works best for them to stay comfortable.

A hot bank holiday weekend might see humans flock to the beach, don summer hats, and crack open a cold beer, but when it comes to keeping big cats cool, zoos turn to a rather different treat: blood lollies. While experts note habitats within zoos are carefully tuned to their inhabitants’ needs, with areas of shade, water, sun, and mud as appropriate, animals have tactics of their own to cope with the heat.

Chester zoo says miniature wallabies called dusky pademelons use evaporative cooling by licking their wrists – as the saliva evaporates, the blood within the vessels close to the skin is cooled. Meanwhile, aardvarks and African crested porcupines opt for subterranean shelter from the heat.

Zoo Animals Beat Heat: The Full Story Explained

As temperatures soar, many of the animals find their own ways of keeping cool in the sunshine, said Dr Nick Davis, the mammals general manager at Chester zoo. The likes of the eastern black rhinos and capybaras will cool off by submerging themselves in mud wallows, while big cats such as Sumatran tigers and jaguars, and other species like Asian elephants and Humboldt penguins, might beat the heat by taking a dip in their pools, said Davis.

Indeed, while such birds might be expected to struggle in the heat, Humboldt penguins – which originate from coastal regions of Peru and Chile – are actually well equipped for warm climes, with body adaptations including bare patches around their face and a bill through which heat can escape.

Historical Context: Has This Happened Before?

In the past, zoos have had to adapt to changing climate conditions to ensure the comfort and well-being of their animals. For example, during the 2019 heat wave in Europe, many zoos implemented emergency measures to keep their animals cool, including providing extra shade, water, and cooling systems.

According to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the habitat at London zoo includes misting systems and fans that can be used to cool the surrounding air as temperatures soar. This approach is not new, as zoos have been using similar methods for decades to keep their animals comfortable during hot weather.

Zoo Animals Beat Heat: Economic & Real-World Impact

The economic impact of heat waves on zoos can be significant, as they require additional resources to keep their animals cool and comfortable. According to a study by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the average cost of providing cooling systems and other heat-related measures for zoos in the United States is around $100,000 per year.

However, the real-world impact of heat waves on zoos goes beyond economics. The welfare of the animals is the top priority, and zoos must ensure that they are providing the best possible care for their inhabitants. This includes not only providing cooling systems and shade but also ensuring that the animals have access to plenty of water and food.

Expert Analysis & What Comes Next

According to Angela Ryan, ZSL’s head of zoological operations, the key thing is to make sure every animal can choose what works for them. Some will head straight for pools or shaded spots, while others really enjoy things like misting or frozen treats as a way to cool down, she said.

As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, zoos will need to adapt and find new ways to keep their animals cool and comfortable. This may include investing in new cooling systems, providing more shade and water, and developing new strategies for animal care during heat waves.

There are several plausible scenarios for how this situation develops. One possible scenario is that zoos will continue to adapt and find new ways to keep their animals cool and comfortable, despite the challenges posed by climate change. Another scenario is that the economic impact of heat waves on zoos will become too great, and some zoos may be forced to close or reduce their operations.

What This Means For You: Practical Guidance

If you are planning to visit a zoo during a heat wave, there are several things you can do to help the animals stay cool and comfortable. One thing you can do is to bring your own water and snacks, as this can help reduce the demand on the zoo’s resources. You can also consider visiting the zoo during cooler parts of the day, such as early in the morning or late in the evening.

For zookeepers and animal care professionals, there are several things you can do to help keep the animals cool and comfortable during heat waves. One thing you can do is to provide extra shade and water, as well as cooling systems and frozen treats. You can also consider developing new strategies for animal care during heat waves, such as providing more frequent feedings and monitoring the animals’ health more closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do zoos do to keep animals cool during heat waves?

Zoos use a variety of methods to keep animals cool during heat waves, including providing extra shade and water, as well as cooling systems and frozen treats. They also ensure that the animals have access to plenty of food and water, and monitor their health closely to prevent heat-related illnesses.

How do animals adapt to heat waves in zoos?

Animals in zoos adapt to heat waves in a variety of ways, including seeking shade, water, and cooler areas. Some animals, such as dusky pademelons, use evaporative cooling by licking their wrists, while others, such as aardvarks and African crested porcupines, opt for subterranean shelter from the heat.

What is the economic impact of heat waves on zoos?

How can I help keep zoo animals cool and comfortable during heat waves?

There are several things you can do to help keep zoo animals cool and comfortable during heat waves, including bringing your own water and snacks, visiting the zoo during cooler parts of the day, and supporting zoos that prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

What is the future of zoo animal care during heat waves?

The future of zoo animal care during heat waves will likely involve the development of new strategies and technologies to keep animals cool and comfortable. This may include investing in new cooling systems, providing more shade and water, and developing new methods for animal care during heat waves.

In conclusion, zoos play a critical role in providing care and comfort to animals during heat waves. By understanding the methods used by zoos to keep animals cool, as well as the economic and real-world impact of heat waves, we can better appreciate the importance of animal welfare and conservation. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, it is essential that we prioritize the care and well-being of zoo animals and support zoos that are working to protect and conserve these amazing creatures.

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