Beating the Heat at Lincoln Park Zoo
CHICAGO (WGN) — As Chicago faced its first heat wave of the summer season, animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo beat the heat with some cool treats.
Special Treats for the Animals
Umande, a western lowland gorilla living at the zoo’s Regenstein Center for African Apes, enjoyed a hanging “gorilla popsicle” made with diluted juice, sugar-free Kool-Aid and fresh herbs from the zoo’s garden.
A black bear named Birch stayed cool by munching on a large pile of crushed ice.
Animal Welfare at the Zoo
Zoo officials say animal welfare is one of the top priorities at the zoo, which includes making sure the animals are comfortable during all four seasons.
Each animal at the zoo has an indoor habitat and outdoor habitats are equipped with cooling features like streams, shade structures and even rocks with air conditioning, the zoo said.
Providing a Comfortable Environment
The zoo’s efforts to keep the animals cool are not limited to just providing special treats. The zoo’s design and infrastructure also play a crucial role in ensuring the animals’ comfort.
The indoor habitats provide a cool and comfortable space for the animals to retreat to when the temperature outside becomes too high. The outdoor habitats, on the other hand, are designed to provide shade and cooling features that help to reduce the temperature.
Cooling Features at the Zoo
The zoo has implemented various cooling features to help keep the animals cool. These features include streams, shade structures, and even rocks with air conditioning.
The streams provide a cool and refreshing source of water for the animals to drink and play in. The shade structures, such as trees and canopies, provide a cool and shaded area for the animals to rest and relax.
The rocks with air conditioning are a unique feature that helps to keep the animals cool. These rocks are equipped with a cooling system that circulates cold air, providing a cool surface for the animals to lie on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lincoln Park Zoo is taking steps to ensure the comfort and well-being of its animals during the hot summer months. From providing special treats to implementing cooling features, the zoo is committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment for its animals.
The zoo’s efforts to keep the animals cool are a testament to its commitment to animal welfare and its dedication to providing the best possible care for its animals.
FAQs
Q: How does the Lincoln Park Zoo keep its animals cool during the summer?
A: The zoo provides special treats, such as “gorilla popsicles” and crushed ice, to help keep the animals cool. The zoo also has indoor habitats and outdoor habitats equipped with cooling features like streams, shade structures, and rocks with air conditioning.
Q: What is the zoo’s top priority?
A: The zoo’s top priority is animal welfare, which includes making sure the animals are comfortable during all four seasons.
Q: How do the zoo’s cooling features work?
A: The zoo’s cooling features, such as streams, shade structures, and rocks with air conditioning, are designed to provide a cool and comfortable environment for the animals. The streams provide a cool source of water, the shade structures provide a cool and shaded area, and the rocks with air conditioning circulate cold air to provide a cool surface for the animals to lie on.
