Summer is definitely here, and so is the heat. There are several ways to deal with the high temperatures and still enjoy time outside. A great deal of thought goes into the steps taken to keep the zoo animals comfortable. Each species has its own temperature guidelines based on what is best for them.

All the zoo residents have drinking water at all times unless they’re on water restrictions due to a veterinary procedure, but that’s a topic for another time. Sometimes, in order to make the habitat look more natural, staff may hide the rubber, plastic, or metal water bowls from public view. Rest assured, whether you can see it or not, the animals always have drinking water, and that’s especially important when it’s hot.

Shade is an element included in each outdoor habitat, whether provided by trees, caves, hollow logs, tall grasses, shade tarps, or structures that have been constructed in the area. Staff may also offer additional shady areas by giving the zoo residents access to inside quarters. While this may take the animal out of view of our guests periodically, it’s for the health of the animal involved.

Zoo guests who are ‘enjoying the heat’ know that having the chance to step inside somewhere cooler, such as the Safari Shoppe, is a needed break at times. Some of the residents have air conditioning in their indoor quarters. The ones that are more sensitive to the heat, such as snow leopards and red pandas, really enjoy this during the Kansas heat.

Before giving the zoo animals access inside, staff will take steps to cool off the outdoor environment with sprinklers, misters, and fans. Some of the habitats have ponds for the animals to enjoy. Plumbing issues and even cleaning necessities can sometimes cause the pools to be empty temporarily. In those rare cases, we take steps to make sure the animals have other options to help them deal with the heat.

Do you enjoy iced beverages during the summer? Many of the residents receive enrichment items that are ice-based during high temperatures. How about a fish-cicle? While it may not sound enticing to you or me, many of the animals find it very enjoyable. Some curl up next to a frozen 2-liter bottle, basically of the opposite of a hot water bottle.

Zoo staff also schedule activities for the residents around the temperatures of the day. Unless it’s an emergency, veterinary and husbandry procedures such as introductions occur during the cooler temperatures on a hot day.

Some activities may even be postponed until the hot spell breaks.

Zoo animals aren’t the only ones that have to deal with the heat.

Pets at home have the same challenges. If they have to be outside, be sure your pet has water and shade. Take those walks or play fetch during the cooler part of the day.

And please don’t leave pets (or kids) in the car. The temperature in an automobile can quickly become dangerous. When it’s 93° F outside, the temperature inside the car or truck can reach 125° F in 20 minutes and 140° F in 40 minutes. Even on days that don’t seem that hot, being left in a car can be hazardous. When it’s 72° F outside, in an hour, it can be 116° F inside a vehicle.

Leaving a window cracked open may not always be a saving grace. Research has shown that leaving a window cracked open a little bit, or even all four windows, doesn’t really mitigate the rising temperature that much.

Heatstroke can affect humans and animals alike. If your pet shows symptoms (excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, lack of coordination, etc..) get them into the shade immediately and call your veterinarian.

Offer them water to drink, apply a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck, and abdomen, or immerse the animal in lukewarm (not cold) water to lower the animal’s body temperature gradually.

Even though the afternoons are toasty, be sure to visit the zoo when you have a chance.

Put on some suntan lotion, wear a hat and sunglasses, go out during the cooler part of the day, and drink lots of fluids. It’s a nice way to spend time with visitors from out of town, get the kids out of the house, or just commune with nature. There’s a lot of shade, and you can always stop at the Safari Shoppe to purchase a cool drink or some Dippin Dots.

The zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stay safe and enjoy your summer while being smart about the heat!