Due to the periods of intense heat during the summer, Zoo de Barcelona, managed by BSM, has implemented a special protocol to alleviate the effects that the high temperatures have on the animals. These extraordinary measures complement the daily care provided by the zoo’s keepers and are fully aligned with the zoo’s goal of ensuring animal health and welfare. 

The zoo’s location, right beside Parc de la Ciutadella and surrounded by plenty of vegetation, is completely strategic and helps to ensure that the temperature across the premises remains up to 3 degrees lower than the city average. Even so, as with cold weather, it is essential to implement a special protocol to ensure that the different species can cope with the heat as well as possible. 

These extraordinary measures focus on hydration, food and ventilation

One priority is keeping the animals well hydrated. To achieve this, Zoo de Barcelona installs additional drinking troughs in its facilities for the animals and refills the water more frequently to ensure it remains cool. Efforts are also stepped up to clean and replenish the baths and mud patches used by some species, which play an important role in regulating the temperatures of animals like warthogs and elephants.

Other species, like bison, buffaloes and elephants, are sprayed with hoses or sprinklers, while the sleeping areas of other animals are equipped with air renewal systems to keep temperatures under control.

Food is also adapted during hot weather. Examples include frozen fruit and ice cream made of broth or fruit juice for primates, ice cubes with fruit for giraffes and worm-based iced drinks for mongooses and meerkats.