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The heat is on at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, and keepers are making sure every animal is able to cool off.
While the zebras and lemurs are enjoying the sun, Zoo manager Jeff Mitchell said others like the raccoons and bobcats find it particularly difficult.
“We make sure we go out of our way to provide them with ice treats (with) food and fish juice and all sorts of wonderful things in the ice that they want to play with,” Mitchell said.
A bobcat soaks up the warm weather at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Mitchell said the pallas cat is an animal staff keep a close eye on, as the species is typically found high in the mountains and isn’t accustomed to hot temperatures.
Sprinklers run throughout the day, and keepers freeze granite for animals to lie down on to keep cool.
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Mitchell said pools are kept full, which is where grizzly bears Koda and Mistaya are often found on hot days.
They are “swimming around or lying out in the sun,” Mitchell said. “We’ve also seen them in the back area where it’s much cooler, just kind of spread-eagled laying on the floor having a good snooze.”
Grizzly bear at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. (Submitted)
Mitchell said animals have the opportunity to escape the sun and cool off in a shaded area, some of which are off the exhibit. He noted this can help reduce stress levels for animals who don’t like the heat.
It’s not just the animals keeping it cool, Mitchell said staff are also staying hydrated and wearing shorts while working outside.
“We make sure that we’re always taking care of ourselves (and) we’re always communicating and making sure that everyone knows what’s going on,” he said.
A zebra at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Mitchell encourages those looking for a family outing this summer to visit the zoo.
“It’s a really good educational experience that you can have fun and make the kids learn, and they don’t even realize they’re learning,” he said.
The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is currently raising money for a new bear and wolf exhibit, which includes the potential addition of polar bears.
