Frozen meals and cold tubs: Rome's zoo helps animals cope with the heatwave

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The Bioparco zoo in the Italian capital, Rome, has taken special measures to protect animals from the severe heat wave hitting Italy, with zoo officials resorting to providing frozen meals, cold water tanks, and air-conditioned areas to maintain the animals' health.

These measures come at a time when Rome is experiencing high temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius, amid health warnings of a heat wave affecting many Italian cities.

frozen meals for animals

Many of the animals in the park received frozen food specially prepared to help them withstand the high temperatures, with meals including frozen fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Giraffes, hippos, capybaras, lemurs, and seals have benefited from these meals, which not only help to lower their body temperature but also contribute to stimulating their natural behaviors and reducing the effects of stress caused by hot weather.

Cooled pools and air-conditioned areas

The park management has provided chilled water basins and shaded, air-conditioned areas for animals that are more sensitive to heat, especially amphibians and animals that live in temperate or cold environments.

Low temperatures were also maintained inside the seal enclosures, with the water kept below 25 degrees Celsius to prevent their body temperature from rising and to ensure their safety during the current heat wave.

Europe is facing a widespread heat wave.

These measures come in conjunction with a heat wave hitting large parts of Europe, with Italian authorities issuing the highest level of warnings in a number of cities due to high temperatures.

Climate experts warn of an increase in extreme weather events in recent years, prompting various institutions, including zoos, to develop plans to adapt to harsh climatic conditions.

Protecting animals in harsh climatic conditions

Park officials confirmed that these measures not only cool the animals, but also help improve their well-being and keep them active during periods of extreme heat.

Experts believe that providing suitable environments for animals in light of rising temperatures has become an increasing necessity, especially with the recurrence of heat waves and their effects on different species.