Nashville Zoo working to keep animals cool amid high temps

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — These hot temperatures are making everyone take the necessary precautions to stay safe and cool, including the staff at the Nashville Zoo.

From flamingos to cougars to lemurs, animals at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere are feeling the heat just like the rest of us. Therefore, when the temps climb, employees take extra precautions to make sure the critters are safe.

“One of the most important things that we do is we make sure that all of our animals have shade, right? And this is the number one thing: they all can go outside, but shade is important; making sure they have plenty of drinking water and, if possible, water to get into,” said Jim Bartoo, the marketing and public relations director for the Nashville Zoo.

Not only are more misting stations available for the animals, but staff members are making ice treats that help keep them cool. While primates, flamingos, and other types of creatures don’t mind the extreme weather, all these cooling precautions are a big help to those with thicker coats of fur, like red pandas.

“This is really good for them in the winter. It keeps the cold off them, it keeps the snow off them, it keeps them nice and warm. That works great in the winter, but in the summer, it makes it very, very hot for them,” Bartoo explained. “So, when red pandas are out in the summer, the keepers usually will give them a door, a shift door that’s opened up that allows them to go inside, and their indoor conditions are very well air-conditioned.”

Officials told News 2 that keepers, who also take regular breaks and stay hydrated, monitor the animals to make sure they don’t seem lethargic or start panting. Even in the high heat, caring for the creatures is a labor of love.

“We don’t normally see that because all of that’s addressed in advance, so we’re really kind of being proactive about that process and making sure that they’re comfortable throughout the day so they never get into that situation,” said Bartoo. “All the people that work here are very passionate about the care of the animals and the health of the animals, so it really is a joy to see these animals thriving in their homes here at the zoo.”

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