With a heatwave on the horizon for Adelaide, it’s important to keep an eye on your furry, feathered and scaly friends at home.
With icy treats, cool showers and refreshing baths, Adelaide and Monarto Zoo keepers will be pulling out all the stops to keep our animals cool.
And there are a number of ways you can follow suit at home to help pets and wildlife beat the heat.
Adelaide Zoo keeper Erin Turrell said while every animal handles the heat differently, having water and shade available was a top priority.
“Leaving water out in different sized containers is a great way to make sure native animals both big and small can stay hydrated,” Erin said.
“If you can include some sticks and rocks in small containers it helps little lizards and insects access a drink safely.
“Birds love splashing about in water and will really appreciate a nice big container to have a bath in.
“For pets, where possible they should be brought inside to stay cool and make sure they have plenty of icy water available and a nice cool spot to sit.”
Our dedicated keepers incorporate varied and engaging enrichment programs into each of our animal’s daily routines.
During hot weather, our animals are regularly provided with nutritious and refreshing icy treats to enjoy, given cool showers, refreshing bubble baths or misters.
This hot weather enrichment allows animals to stay cool while also being mentally stimulated and challenged, based on their natural behaviours and instincts.
