Zookeepers are implementing innovative strategies, including hosing down animals and providing specially crafted frozen treats, to help them cope with a severe heatwave in the United Kingdom. The country is experiencing temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) under a 'heat dome' that has trapped hot air from North Africa.
At Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset, animals are receiving specialized care to manage the extreme heat. Creatures such as tapirs and gibbons have been observed enjoying frozen treats made with ingredients like seeds, herbs, and herbal teas, offering them a novel way to stay cool. Meanwhile, elephants have been sprayed down with hoses, and other animals, including otters, capybaras, and a rescue tiger named Aqua, have been utilizing pools to beat the heat. African elephants and Southern white rhinos also have access to mud wallows, a natural method for regulating body temperature during warm weather.
Chris Wilkinson, Curator at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, emphasized the importance of these measures. "Just like us during periods of hot weather, it's important that our animals stay cool for their welfare, comfort and safety," Wilkinson stated. He added that keepers closely monitor all species and provide a range of cooling options, such as ice lollies, hose-downs, access to pools, and shaded areas.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red Heat Health Alert for several regions, including London and the South East, South West, East of England, East Midlands, and West Midlands. This alert warns of a potential risk to life, even for healthy individuals, and highlights the possible impact on essential services like transportation, power, and water resources. Meteorologists attribute the extreme temperatures to an "African anticyclone" creating a "heat dome" effect, trapping heat and allowing temperatures to build over successive days.
Forecasters predict that temperatures could challenge or surpass the UK's all-time high of 40.3 degrees Celsius recorded in July 2022, and potentially break the existing June record of 35.6 degrees Celsius set in 1976.