Zoo Animals Beat the Heat with Chilly Treats

With Washington D.C. experiencing a severe heatwave, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is actively working to ensure its animal residents remain comfortable and cool. The zoo's five-month-old Asian elephant, Linh Mai, has been a focal point, spending significant time in and out of her pool. Keepers have facilitated supervised excursions into deeper water to help her acclimate safely.

Many animals are benefiting from specially prepared frozen treats. Lions and tigers receive 'bloodsicles,' which can contain blood, meat, or bones, while elephants, gorillas, and pandas enjoy 'fruitsicles.' Seals and sea lions are given fish frozen into ice blocks. These frozen delights provide both a cooling sensation and enrichment.

Other species employ natural or assisted cooling mechanisms. Swamp monkeys skillfully use their pools, and otters engage in enrichment activities that involve finding snacks hidden in ice buckets. Flamingos and ibises utilize their long legs for thermoregulation, releasing heat through their skin. Black-crowned night herons also employ urohidrosis, a process where they excrete on their legs to cool down as the moisture evaporates.

For animals that prefer to avoid the heat, the zoo provides shady areas within their enclosures. Animals showing signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or lethargy, are closely monitored. Young animals, like the two sloth bear cubs, are kept indoors during extreme temperatures to ensure their safety, even if their native habitats are warm.