Frozen treats and cold showers: How Phoenix zookeepers help animals beat the heat
As Arizonans search for ways to cool down during the extremely high temperatures of summer, animals at the Phoenix Zoo are no different. To better provide for these outdoor creatures during the sweltering hot days, animal keepers switch up their care routines.
"The zoo knows that it's hot and we plan for it all year long," said Linda Hardwick, vice president of marketing, communications and events. "We've got lots of misting systems that the animals enjoy. We have tons of shade structures...We also specialize in animals that thrive in our environment."
With a strong flow of water provided to the animals as well as misting systems, Phoenix Zoo staff have also come up with creative solutions for the animals to beat the heat, such as frozen popsicles and daily showers from animal keepers.
How the animals stay cool: Showers and frozen treats
As temperatures hovered just below 100 degrees on Tuesday morning at the Phoenix Zoo, the animals were able to escape the heat with the help of their keepers.
Chutti, the 8-year-old greater one-horned rhinoceros, immediately approached his keeper, Leslie Lindholm, as she held a bucket of mixed carrots, apples and bananas. The large horned creature got as close to the gate as he could while Lindholm prepared the hose.
Summer in Arizona: 100 fun ways to survive the 100-degree heat in Phoenix
A cold blast of water trickled onto Chutti while he closed his eyes in relief. Lindholm showered him down fully from his horn to his feet.
"He loves water, he spends most of his day in his pool this time of year," Lindholm said, adding that he gets a shower from staff every day of the summer.
Right next to Chutti, in a desert-landscaped habitat lives Indu, who is considered a geriatric elephant at the age of 57. Indu has lived at the Phoenix Zoo since 1998 and has an impressive array of talents such as knowing upwards of 50 commands that include shaking her ears and stomping her feet as directed.
Lindholm threw Indu a frozen popsicle filled with fruits and nutrients so she could cool off, as well as washed her down with the hose.
With piercing orange eyes and razor-sharp talons, Archimedes the Eurasian Eagle Owl, began to lose his outwardly scary appearance as he got washed down with a water hose, flapping his wings and inching closer to the water source.
'Leave it alone': Sahuarita teen bit by coyote pup while attempting to 'rescue' the animal
As for the yummy frozen treats, the orangutans, Indu, Raja the tiger and 18 squirrel monkeys all enjoyed their delicious fruit-filled popsicles and snacks. But the cheetahs had a popsicle that may not be as appealing to humans.
Senior keeper Emily Merola stood on the edge of a heavily shaded, desert-themed habitat with bright red frozen treats she has dubbed "blood-sicles." Protected by a water display, Merola took the popsicle and threw it straight into the desert area habitat.
Immediately, with sharp force and intense precision, a spotted cheetah emerged and attacked the "blood-sicles." Merola threw two more into the enclosure, so each of the three cheetahs could have their fill.
"I love a popsicle just as much as anyone else, and I imagine these guys like it as well," Merola said. "It keeps their tongue nice and wet and also helps them stay hydrated.
Merola also mentioned the importance of shade with the cheetahs and all outdoor creatures at the zoo, saying they tend to hang out there on hotter days. Merola recommended visitors look for Cheetahs in their shaded areas while visiting if they don't see them immediately.
Visting the zoo during the summer months
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
With a mission to educate and inspire, the Phoenix Zoo is a great place to bring young children but can be highly engaging for all ages.
The summertime is the slowest season for the Phoenix Zoo due to the scorching heat, and the zoo undergoes reduced hours during June, July and August to keep guests and staff comfortable. Those hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the general public and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Phoenix Zoo members.
"This is still an amazing place to come and visit in the summer, we always want people to be safe though," Hardwick said. "Make sure you bring lots of water, stay hydrated, wear loose light-colored clothing, even bring an umbrella."
Just like the animals, it is important visitors drink water, stay in the shade and maybe bring their own refreshing popsicles.
OFFER FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS: $1 per month for 12 months of access to azcentral.com. Subscribe at azcentral.com/NewsSale.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Phoenix Zoo animals stay cool and hydrated in Arizona summers
