With the arrival of intense heat, the Barcelona Zoo, managed by the municipal company BSM, has implemented a protocol to ensure the well-being of its various species against high temperatures. The measures focus on hydration, feeding, and ventilation of enclosures.
Hydration is reinforced with more water points and frequent renewal of drinkers. Cleaning and water renewal in bathing and mud wallow areas, crucial for species like warthogs and turtles, are also intensified. Additionally, animals such as the red panda and the elephant receive showers or sprays, and air renewal mechanisms are applied in their sleeping quarters.
Feeding is also modified with refreshing offerings and specific enrichments. Primates receive frozen fruit and ice pops, giraffes and sea lions get ice blocks with fruit or fish, and meerkats and mongooses receive worm ice pops. These actions aid hydration and stimulate natural animal behavior.
Although the Zoo's location near the Parc de la Ciutadella allows for temperatures up to three degrees lower than the city average, these complementary measures are applied to ensure the animals are in the best possible condition.
“"Adapting to heat episodes is part of our permanent commitment to animal welfare and to management based on scientific knowledge and continuous observation of the animals."
This protocol reaffirms the Barcelona Zoo's commitment to animal welfare, coordinated by the park's professional teams who adapt daily care to evolving weather conditions.
