To cope with the heat that has hit São Paulo in recent days, the zoo’s animals are given special ice cream, jet baths that simulate rain, mudflats, bathing in pools and air-conditioned environments.
Actions aimed at animal welfare in the face of high temperatures have been put into practice by the São Paulo Zoo and Simba Safari since the arrival of summer on December 21. Measures also include adaptation of management routines with emphasis on the thermal comfort of the species.
The main initiative concerns frozen ice creams, prepared according to the diet of each animal. There are fruit juice-based ice creams for herbivores, insect-based versions for insectivorous species, and even meat broth ice creams aimed at carnivores.
2 pictures
Close the modal.
1 of 2Reproduction/São Paulo Zoo2 of 2
Another strategy is bathing with a hose, which simulates rain and helps regulate animals’ body temperatures. Some animals, such as turtles, pigs, elephants and rhinos, are given mudflats, which are areas with very moist ground where they can roll to reduce heat. Hippos and turtles have swimming pools in their “homes” and animals like giraffes have air conditioning in their environment.
Read also
-
Brazil
Heat wave: Inmet extends its warning of great danger for Rio, SP and MG
-
Brazil
From heat to rain: the last week of the year begins with a change in weather
-
Sao Paulo
Is the heat still there? Will there be a storm? What will the weather be like on Monday in SP?
-
Sao Paulo
Check if your city is among the hottest during the MS heatwave
The species’ daily diet also undergoes adjustments on days of extreme heat. Reptiles, which tend to become more active as temperatures rise, receive food more frequently. Carnivores, which tend to reduce their activity on warmer days, have longer intervals between meals.
Since the zoo and safari are located in the Fontes do Ipiranga National Park, south of São Paulo, the effects of the heat are mitigated, as the vast green space helps reduce the temperature and improve the humidity of the air.
About The Author
