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Animals Dive into Ice Pops During a Rare Winter Heatwave

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Author Freddie Hiney

Credit: Associated Press

Yes, animals feel the heat too. When people imagine monkeys eating, they often picture them enjoying bananas – that wasn’t the case in Rio de Janeiro’s BioPark. On the 22nd of September, 2023, during an unprecedented winter heatwave on the east coast of Brazil, whereby temperatures soared to 104 F, zookeepers were seen offering ice pops to their sweltering Spider Monkeys, Lions, Jaguars and “Koala,” a 60-year-old elephant who was rescued from a circus in Sao Paulo during the 1990s. 

Credit: The Associated Press

Watch Zookeepers Cool Down Animals with Ice Pops

To counteract the heat, refreshments, in the form of ice pops, were offered to every animal in the zoo, from Spider Monkeys and Lions to Jaguars and Elephants.

What’s in the Ice Pops?

Fear not for those worrying whether the BioPark of Rio is feeding their animals sugar-infused treats; there’s a method to the madness. 

Carnivorous animals are offered blood-flavored or meat-flavored popsicles, while herbivores are offered fruit popsicles. I know which one I’d prefer.

Unusual Measures for Unusual Weather

Despite it being technically the start of spring, a season typically associated with milder temperatures, the sudden and intense heatwave caught both the inhabitants and its dedicated zookeepers entirely off guard. The unseasonable scorching weather left everyone searching for innovative ways to stay cool and comfortable amidst the unrelenting heat.

Credit: The Associated Press

Moreover, the unusual weather anomaly, striking early in the spring, challenged the region’s conventional expectations of climate patterns. Rio de Janeiro, famous for its moderate and balmy climate, found itself grappling with an unexpected meteorological twist that demanded creative solutions.

In response to the startling heatwave, the zookeepers introduced a unique and refreshing solution – ice pops for the animals. This inventive approach not only provided a reprieve from the oppressive heat but also showcased the lengths to which the caretakers were willing to go to ensure the well-being and comfort of the beloved creatures under their care.

Credit: The Associated Press

What Does Rising Temperatures Mean for Zoo’s?

Rising temperatures present multifaceted challenges for zoos. Elevated heat levels can directly impact the well-being of animals, necessitating investments in cooling systems, shade, and water provisions. 

Alarmingly, temperature shifts can disrupt breeding cycles, prompting the need for climate-controlled enclosures. Zoos must adapt habitats to reflect changing conditions, closely monitor disease prevalence, and adjust operational strategies. 

Further, as climate change alters ecosystems, Zoos play a vital role in conservation and education efforts. This requires discussions about climate change and awareness of the likely implications of rising temperatures on wildlife. 

However, rising operational costs and potential government animal care and climate control regulations add obstacles. To address these challenges, many zoos strive for environmental sustainability while maintaining their commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and public engagement.

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