Animal sanctuaries and zoos in Northern Regions of RLP grapple with the intense heat conditions
Pets and Wildlife Adapt to Heat Waves Amid Climate Change
As temperatures soar across the northern part of the country, reaching up to 38 degrees this week, animals are adjusting to the heat in various ways.
In zoos and animal shelters, unique strategies are being implemented to help animals cope with the heat. At Bell Zoo in Hunsrück, predators receive a refreshing treat – ice made with fruit juices or meat pieces. Pigs enjoy a cool mud bath, while tigers take a dip to keep cool.
Meanwhile, at Neuwied Zoo, meerkats find relief from the sun's glare thanks to the dark fur around their eyes, acting like sunglasses. Some animals even receive occasional showers with a water hose.
To help pets in hot weather, the animal shelter in Ransbach-Baumbach suggests providing a cooler sleeping spot by placing a wet towel on the floor. They also advise ensuring pets have access to enough cool water. Dogs, particularly, should be kept off hot asphalt and gravel for morning walks, as recommended by Anna Januszek from the Ransbach-Baumbach animal shelter.
In response to the heat, Neuwied Zoo has ensured that Red Pandas, originating from the cooler Himalayan region, have plenty of shade in their enclosure, with the ground watered daily for evaporative cooling. Some dog enclosures at the Ransbach-Baumbach shelter even feature small pools.
To create evaporative cooling for animals, Neuwied Zoo cools the ground, and at the Ransbach-Baumbach shelter, some animals are given ice bombs or meat ice to help them stay cool through their food.
However, it's important to note that electric cars, while offering cooling functions for dogs, are not always 100% reliable, according to Christian Schmitt from ADAC Middle Rhine. He warns against leaving pets in cars during hot temperatures, as dark cars heat up very quickly.
As climate change is expected to result in more warm and hot days, these measures are essential for protecting animal health. Zoos and shelters must adapt by improving infrastructure and cooling technology, and applying ecological approaches such as habitat restoration to build landscape resilience to heat and drought.
Animals, through complex biological responses, from molecular to behavioral levels, are managing heat stress. These responses include the production of heat shock proteins, blood flow redistribution, and behavioral changes like seeking shade and reducing activity during peak heat hours.
In the face of increasing heat extremes due to climate change, human-managed environments are mitigating heat impact through shade, water cooling, optimized shelter design, and climate-aware management. These efforts aim to protect animal health and welfare amid the challenges posed by a changing climate.
[1] Reference(s) omitted for brevity [2] Reference(s) omitted for brevity [3] Reference(s) omitted for brevity [4] Reference(s) omitted for brevity [5] Reference(s) omitted for brevity
Read also:
- Benadryl: Impact on Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Beyond
- Affordable Luxury and Economy Converge in the 2025 Lexus LBX: Compact luxury car unites budget-friendly pricing, efficiency
- Company manufacturing Plumpy'Nut is thrilled beyond belief!
- Enhancements to Networking in Senior Care, Fedding Positive Experiences for Service Providers and Elderly Residents
