Our animals in tropical heats

It all begins by the enclosure planning itself. We have to remember providing animals plenty of shade in cases of tropical weather. In addition, the vast majority of enclosures is developed using artificial brooks, lakes or pools. The African elephants can be frequently seen by the popular lake and mudflats in Karibuni, whilst our lovely jaguar couple enjoys cooling down in their special pool in the outdoor exhibit. In some enclosures, we use water sprinklers and misting systems, such as in the walk-through aviary in the Amazon district, Humboldt penguins exhibit or in the breeding facilities.

„We have also ensured an ample fresh water supply for the drinking regime of our animals. The breeders change water in the bowls more often, because it heats up (thus loses it’s quality) in this weather quickly. We also prepare special ice creams for the animals – the tigers get popsicles - fish frozen in a bucket of water, the elephants get apple ones. It helps animals not only to cool off, but as well as to enjoy themselves and have fun,“ explained one of our local zoologists, Zdeněk Čech.

The zoo has prepared for the heat waves in advance. „We have checked and set the air conditioning systems in the pavilions before the onset of the tropical temperatures. We regulate them very carefully to ensure optimal breeding conditions,“ emphasized Čech.

The refreshing water misters were placed throughout the entire zoo for the visitors as well. „We are trying to retain a pleasant tourist destination even in the current tropical weather. Luckily, the vast majority of roads and paths is surrounded by trees providing shade as well as other resting nooks. Besides, our vendors can offer a wide range of chilled drinks and ice cream of all flavors and sorts – popsicles, soft serve and gelato,“ Romana Mikešová, the head of marketing at the zoo, announced.