With temperatures soaring, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to take good care of its creatures—human and non-human alike! Here’s what keepers do for the animals in this heat:
- Most of the animals that can go outside are offered a choice year round—to go outside or to stay in their indoor exhibit. Most indoor exhibits are cooled with AC in the summer and warmed with heat in the winter.
- Giant pandas have air-conditioned and radiant water-chilled grottos. They have AC indoors. They’re not huge fans of heat, so on hot days they mostly stay inside.
- Many animals are offered fruitsicles as enrichment, which can be particularly refreshing this time of year. Fruitsicles are popsicles—they are usually diluted fruit juice frozen with cut-up chunks of fresh fruit in them. Gorillas, elephants and other bears enjoy these treats, too. (Note that these aren’t just a summertime treat! They receive them year-round.)
Some animals have the option of taking a dip in their outdoor pools: Andean bears, pandas, lions, tigers, and otters. Others are acclimated to this weather.
Visitors have a number of options for staying cool:
- Water fountains are available around the park.
- They can enjoy a number of “misters” around the Zoo.
- The Zoo sells a variety of ice cream and frozen treats, along with cold beverages and bottled water.
- All of the animal houses are air conditioned.