As Guangzhou swelters under a relentless sun, the city has switched to "sauna mode." While humans can retreat into air-conditioned rooms during the persistently high temperatures, how do our beloved zoo animals beat the heat?
On the morning of July 9th, in the cool embrace of an air-conditioned sanctuary set at a perfect 22 degrees Celsius, the zoo's giant pandas, "Xingyi" and "Yayi," indulged in a delightful summertime feast, including a medley of "fruit juice popsicles," "chilled fruit baskets," and "winter melon bowls," all crafted by their dedicated keepers. Leisurely dipping in their private pool, taking a bath, and cuddling with colossal ice blocks for a cozy afternoon nap, these pandas are living the high life of leisure.
"Giant pandas prefer to stay indoors when temperatures soar above 26 degrees Celsius," explains panda keeper Long Qixi, "Each indoor exhibit is equipped with four air conditioners to maintain the ideal 22-degree Celsius environment." The pandas' habitat is further enhanced with heatstroke prevention facilities, such as water pools and ice beds, and seasonal enrichments made from lotus leaves, corn leaves, and apple pieces, ensuring a vibrant and engaging living space.
The zoo's chimpanzees are also treated to air conditioning, coupled with a unique Cantonese summer soup that is tailored to their dietary needs. Keeper Yao Shiming reveals that the soups are carefully formulated to provide therapeutic benefits, such as dampness drying in spring, heat-clearing and thirst-wasting in summer, and lung-moistening in winter. These nourishing soups are then lovingly spoon-fed to the chimpanzees.
As the weather heats up, the zoo's staff are vigilant in their efforts to prevent animals from heatstroke. They closely monitor the condition of animals in the outdoor exercise areas during high temperatures and have implemented various methods to cool them down, such as installing sprinkler systems, setting up "sun umbrellas," and feeding them heat-relieving fruits.
As the sun's rays intensify, people take to the streets with "sun umbrellas" to shield themselves from the harsh sunlight. Similarly, the Chinese snub-nosed monkeys exhibit also takes advantage of umbrella-shaped climbing structures and pavilions that provide shade, while a misting system envelops their exhibit in a refreshing, ethereal fog, adding a touch of fantasy to the sweltering summer days.
The "melon-eating experts," hippos enjoy the keeper's extra servings of watermelon with their juicer-like mouths, and elephants delight in the cooling spray from the zoo's bathing facilities to cool off and protect their skin with their noses; the lesser pandas comfortably cuddle on an oversized ice pillow. In Guangzhou Zoo, all furry and feathered friends are kept cool and content with a variety of bespoke "chilling" solutions.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
