Météo France has put 15 departments on red alert for an “extreme heat wave” and 69 on orange alert. With an unprecedented heat wave across the country this week, zoos and animal parks are ramping up their efforts to keep their animals and visitors cool as temperatures rise. This Monday, July 18th, the temperature is around 40 degrees ZooParc de Beauval, but don’t panic, the place is packed to the brim with these seasonal events. “Animal welfare is our raison d’être. We are committed to the comfort of our animals“, he explains Figaro Rodolphe Delord, director. At the Saint-Agnan (Loire-et-Cher) animal park, around 1,300 employees (including 180 trainers, seven veterinarians and five veterinary assistants, available 24 hours a day) are constantly busy around the park’s 35,000 animals to ensure their daily routine. life more bearable.Our facilities are designed to handle all types of heat waves and climates. Animals don’t have to put up with the weather, whatever it is. describes the director of Beauval, who is also the president of the French Association of Zoos (AFdPZ). Our facilities are designed for heat compensation.“And everything is in place at this zoo, which welcomes nearly 2 million visitors each year, to keep the animals safe.
But unfortunately, sometimes that’s not enough. More than a thousand animals were evacuated this Monday, July 18, from the Arcachon Basin Zoo in Teste-de-Buch (Gironde), where thousands of people were also evacuated due to smoke from the fires. “To:Following the recommendations of the authorities, we will do our best to evacuate all animals from the Arcachon Basin Zoo. Installation of boxes for transport has begun“, AFdPZ director Cecil Erni also announced.
Heat shields and adaptive measures
In Beauval, in addition to traditional air conditioning, ZooParc has many devices to combat the heat wave: automatic watering, misters for animals, visitors and fans. “We also make sure their food is hydrated so they stay well hydrated. Monkeys, for example, eat branches, so we water the trees– explains Rodolphe Delord. The 44-hectare park is also covered with vegetation (trees, grass, etc.), lowering the ambient temperature and providing shade everywhere. Residents also have the right to small daily special treatments: pools of water, ice cubes with meat, fruit and syrup… There is no shortage of equipment.The heat wave is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. We managed to get in with anticipation. In addition, most animals tolerate heat quite well.“, Carine Gendronneau, animal manager, emphasizes in turn Sainte-Croix Park In Rhodes (Moselle). The park has access to four ponds and 60 hectares of forest for its animals. However, the director of ZooParc de Beauval reminds us that many people like the heat. And for those who, like the arctic wolf, are less fond of him, ponds and regular watering by the keepers, offer them something to cool off.
In the shower!
Time in Moselle Amneville ZooHank and Akiak, two new polar bears, climate crisis ambassadors who arrived from the Netherlands in the spring, have made their mark in a brand new arctic zone made up of refrigerated buildings. It is enough to withstand 36 degrees in the shade. the time Paris Zoo, in the tropics, it is the anteaters that splash into the cool water, which is fed by trainers who monitor the body temperatures of all species. The Humboldt penguin pool, for example, is equipped with a mister that moistens their feathers and cools the surrounding air while protecting them from mosquitoes. The caretakers, who are very caring, also offer baths to some of them (ostriches, hyacinth macaws…) and ensure that everyone is well hydrated. Shower, elephants at Amneville Park are allowed up to twice a day, depending on the temperature. “It’s primarily a way to cool them down when it’s hot. says Julien, an elephant trainer. All the water will leave the interstitial spaces before it gets between the skin folds. The elephant will then put mud on itself, which will leave the water in its folds to cool.“. The shower also allows the trainer to check the pachyderm’s health.
Other ways to visit the zoo
And not only animals benefit from special attention. At Sainte-Croix, visitors are also treated with care. water points are available all along the route and the barefoot route allows you to cool off during the visit. Finally, many zoos have changed their opening hours to allow for early morning and therefore more pleasant visits. ZooParc de Beauval will open its doors from 8am throughout the month of August. The organization of work by Sainte-Croix is even modified.We have adjusted the working hours of our trainers so that they can best pass this test.explains Karin Gendrono. Meanwhile, the park continues to offer its usual advice. arrive as early as possible to take advantage of the mild morning temperatures, stay hydrated and rest in the shade during your visit. How about we come over later?
Here’s what the Amneville Zoo will offer in August. Once the doors close and the last patrons leave, the venue will open up a completely different atmosphere to make the most of the freshness. On August 12, 13, 19 and 20, after the park closes, the evening will begin with dinner and continue with an encounter with the zoo’s iconic animals, such as nocturnal birds of prey or reptiles in the tropical vivarium, before observing. the whole pack of arctic wolves and visit the big cats. A refreshing break in the heart of summer.
Practice
BEAUVAL ZOOPARC
From July 30 to August 28, ZooParc opens its doors at 8 a.m., with last admission at 8 p.m. The northern entrance, located near the Dome, is open from 9 am.
ZooParc de Beauval, Av. du Blanc, 41110 St Aignan. Such. 02 54 75 50 00.
SAINTE-CROIX ANIMAL PARK
The park is open daily from 9:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until August 31.
Sainte-Croix Animal Park, route de Sainte-Croix, 57810 Rhodes. Such. 03 87 03 92 05.
AMNEVILLE ZOO
In July and August, the park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Amnéville Zoo, 1 rue du Tigre, 57360 Amnéville. Such. 03 87 70 25 60.
PARIS ZOO
Until August 31, the zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Paris Zoo, Avenue Damesnil, 75012 Paris. Such. 0 811 22 41 22.
IN THE VIDEO – Arcachon Basin Zoo is evacuating its animals
Source: Le Figaro
