Tengrinews.kz — Abnormal heat has changed the usual care routine for animals at the local zoo in Shymkent. Ice cream made from beetroot and fruit has been added to their diet, citing Seventh Channel.
Tengrinews.kz — Abnormal heat has changed the usual care routine for animals at the local zoo in Shymkent. Ice cream made from beetroot and fruit has been added to their diet, citing Seventh Channel.
Water misting systems are operating continuously in the enclosures. Zoo employees say such measures are truly necessary because the animals struggle with the heat and often have to hide in specially cooled rooms.
Ice cream has been added to the bears’ diet. It is made from fruit and vegetables that are frozen in advance. Other predators also receive this unusual treat.
“This is especially necessary in summer, and we use this method regularly. Animals’ body temperature is significantly higher than that of humans, so to keep them comfortable in the heat, we give them grains, vegetables and fruit in frozen form,” said Asem Ualikhanova, head of the predator animal department.
Using cold water to cool the animals is also a common method of summer care. Monkeys, for example, are cooled this way. Zoo employees pour water over the enclosures in the morning and after lunch, cooling the air. In some areas, fine misting systems operate continuously, even at night. During these hot days, many zoo animals also spend a lot of time in pools.
In some enclosures equipped with special cooling systems, animals spend almost all their time inside shelters without coming out. This applies to pumas and leopards, which prefer cooler climates.
Predators generally do not tolerate heat well, zoo staff say. Reptiles also dislike hot weather, so direct sunlight is kept out of the terrariums where they are housed. In extreme heat, crocodiles and snakes reduce their activity to a minimum and remain in the water until the heat subsides.
“We use different cooling methods for different animal species. For example, we hide vegetables and other food in ice or hang them from trees. This allows animals to maintain their natural instincts and helps keep them comfortable during the summer,” said Bagdat Amzebek, head of a department at the Shymkent Zoo.
The Shymkent Zoo is home to more than 300 animal species. Their total number exceeds 3,500 individuals.