Zookeepers are particularly sensitive to these challenges, as they often have to care for a wide variety of animals with different needs.
Keepers at the Phoenix Zoo set careful temperature parameters and tailor heat plans for all animals in their care, Foster said. Horned rhinos, elephants, and tortoises love showers, while many big cats prefer a gentle spray. Zookeepers carefully monitor animals for signs of heat stress, such as panting.
Given the extreme heat, the Phoenix Zoo has also changed its hours from 7 am to 1 pm, opting to welcome visitors during the cooler hours of the day and closing certain enclosures when necessary. However, the zoo did not go as far as to close completely.
At the Houston Zoo, where temperatures continue bordering on 100° F, The staff have maintained their opening hours. Most of the zoo’s animals come from warmer climates, but zookeepers keep a close eye on those that are less heat-tolerant: they feed sea lions ice-cold jelly and provide apes, monkeys, and gorillas with rooms. with climate controlled and shower pools.
“One of our gorillas in particular loves the pool with a shower. He looks like a person sitting in a hot tub,” said Kevin Hodge, vice president of the zoo. «He is very cute».
Many zoos are grappling with how to adapt to a much warmer future, as global warming continues to affect the frequency and duration of heat waves. An analysis found that climate change has made extreme heat five times more likely in the southwest.