As Shanghai bakes under an intense heatwave, caretakers at the Shanghai Zoo on the Chinese mainland are pulling out all the stops to keep animals cool and comfortable.
Flamingos stretch their necks beneath fine mist sprays, while elephants splash playfully in shaded ponds. In another enclosure, red pandas savor icy chunks as they climb cool platforms, and giant pandas retreat to air-conditioned rooms to enjoy chilled treats.
At Haichang Ocean Park, dolphins glide through thermostatically controlled pools, breaking the surface to catch floating ice cubes. Marine mammals throughout the park feast on frozen fruit, a refreshing twist on their regular diet.
Behind the scenes, zookeepers have been trimming thick fur coats, updating meal plans with extra juicy fruits and vegetables, and rotating cooling stations throughout the day. These hands-on strategies highlight the creativity and dedication of wildlife teams in a world facing more frequent heat events.
As cities around the globe grapple with rising temperatures, Shanghai’s animal care initiatives offer a glimpse into how innovation and compassion can safeguard wildlife under the sun.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
