How the Fresno Chaffee Zoo helps animals beat the heat

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The zoo will only house animals who are able to withstand hot climates, but there are still special measures staff take to keep the animals cool and comfortable.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is home to hundreds of animals -for the most part, they’re used to the heat, but every now and then, they could use a break.

General Curator for The Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Nicole Presley, says the zoo is structured in a way to help animals cope with the high temps.

“Built into our habitats are cooling features like water streams, mud wallows,” she said.

Extra measures are also taken amidst the heat wave.

“With these really hot days that we’re going to be seeing over 110 degrees, then we look to keep even a closer eye on our animals for signs of heat stress.”

When it gets too hot, the animals have options: they can lay in the shade, cool off under the misters, or have an icy treat.

“The zoological care specialists spend time each week prepping ice treats for each of the different species, sometimes taking a portion of their diet and making a little smoothie out of it,” The Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Sarah Shearer said.

Staff will also spray sprinklers for the animals.

“Some individuals like it more than others and if they’re in the mood for it, then they want to play in the water. And when they’re not, they say no thank you, even if it’s hot,” said Shearer.

The same things humans do to keep cool are also how animals can stay cool -a little nap in the shade, a dip in the pool, or enjoying a nice cool mist are some ways animals can stay cool during a heat wave.

“The zoological care specialists spend a lot of time every day making sure that they are prepared to provide everything that they need for the animals,” said Shared.

Although the zoo closes to the public at a certain time, there is always staff on site to assist the animals.

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