Zoos help animals beat the heat

THE Shanghai Zoo and Shanghai Wild Animal Park are rolling out special measures to help the animals under their care stay cool this summer.

Ice cubes and frozen lollies with a variety of fruit and bean flavors are being offered at the animal feeding center in the Shanghai Zoo, located in Changning District.

The zoo has also prepared watermelons, mung bean soup, air conditioning, water sprayers and shade for animals. Giant anteaters from South America are being fed with a refreshing mixture of fruit, egg, milk, yoghurt and ants; while elephants are enjoying showers delivered by their keepers.

Tigers, sun bears and leopards will be treated with ice cubes; while seasonal fruits such as watermelons and grapes have been added to the feeds of gorillas, golden monkeys, and parrots at the zoo. Giant pandas are also cooling down with ice lollies.

At the Shanghai Wild Animal Park in the Pudong New Area, the alpacas were sheared to keep them cool and air conditioners have been turned on for the park’s giant pandas.

“Animals such as elephants and hippos are fed with juicy fruits and vegetables like watermelons and cucumbers. Water sprays, ice cubes and shade will further be used to help the animals get through the hot summer,” said Ni Li, a staff member at the park’s office.

“Elephants are enjoying a large water pool and Siberian tigers are soaking too, while zoo keepers take small animals such as tiger and lion cubs outside in the early morning, when the temperature is relatively low, to let them walk and enjoy the sunshine,” Ni said.

In addition, the area for two rhinoceros, new comers to the park, has been expanded in an effort to make them more comfortable this summer. Refreshing herbs have been introduced into their diet as well, Ni explained.

Over the coming days, the city is expected to see daily highs at or above 35 degrees, according to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau.