Animals at Almaty Zoo have been provided with additional cooling methods due to ongoing heat. This was reported by the zoo's press service. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The polar bear Purga, hippos, tapirs, and tigers cool off in pools. For rhinos, mud baths have been organized, which help lower body temperature, protect skin from the sun and insects.
Elephants take dust baths. For camels, llamas, horses, yaks, bison, as well as large and small felines, a water mist system has been installed.
Some animals are also being prepared fruit ice cream made from apricots, apples, cherries, and raspberries. The zoo noted that chimpanzees Pasha and Lola especially love this treat.
In Almaty, daytime temperatures on August 2 are expected to reach +36…+38°C. The city also maintains an extreme fire hazard.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Threads users were concerned about the condition of the polar bear Purga at Almaty Zoo during the heat. The zoo administration said the animal is under constant supervision by staff and veterinarians, and its condition is not a cause for concern.
Purga has been equipped with two pools with circulating cold water, a cooled den, and ice and snow generators are also used. The zoo added that the bear's low-activity behavior during hot hours corresponds to physiological norms.