From pools to popsicles, Phoenix Zoo works to keep animals cool

by Christina Leonard
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Cool Zoo Animals,300
  • Photos available (thumbnail, caption below)
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By NICK SERPA and ALLISON SNELL
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Many of the animals at the Phoenix Zoo come from cooler climates, which creates a challenge for zookeepers to keep them cool in the scorching desert heat.

While many of the animals have access to air-conditioned indoor spaces, some of them, like the Bornean orangutans, prefer to be outside, said Jessica Petershick, a senior keeper of primates.

The zoo uses everything from water hoses and pools to popsicles to help the animals maintain a safe and comfortable body temperature.

“We really specialize in animals that can tolerate the hotter temperatures here in Phoenix,” zoo spokeswoman Linda Hardwick said. “It heats up in the summertime. That’s nothing new for us, and our animals are used to it as well.”

She said that first thing in the morning, sprinkler systems will water down several of the exhibits.

“Obviously, we always have lots of shade structures as well,” she said.

Many of them get special treats.

“We will hose them down a lot throughout the day if they are warm,” said Corey Barr, an elephant keeper. “And we bring them inside and give them showers, and we give them treats like frozen popsicles or frozen melons.”

Jessica Peterschick, a primate keeper, said her animals love frozen popsicles made from Gatorade flavors: lemon, fruit punch, grape.

“It’s awesome to give them things like ice treats in the dead of summer because it’s a reward just like a kid getting a popsicle,” she said. “It’s awesome. It’s refreshing. It’s sweet.”

Zoo officials encourage people to visit before the hottest part of the day.

“It is our slow season. We adjust our hours,” Hardwick said. “We are only open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. We want our guests as well as our animals to be comfortable.”

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The Phoenix Zoo encourages people to visit the zoo before the hottest parts of the day. (Photo by Nick Serpa/Cronkite News)
Jiwa, a Bornean orangutan, cooled off with a Gatorade popsicle. The orangutans at the Phoenix Zoo have access to an indoor enclosure when outside temperatures get too hot, but “prefer to be outside,” said Jessica Peterschick, the senior keeper of primates. The orangutan keepers also hose down the primates and provide tubs of water for them to drink and so they can swim.
Ali, a tortoise from the Aldabra Atoll, lies in the shade in his habitat at Phoenix Zoo. Phoenix’s climate is much drier than that of Ali’s native habitat, so these turtles lie in the shade and wade in water pools to keep cool. Like other animals at the Phoenix Zoo, tortoises have access to an air-conditioned room when the weather gets too hot. (Photo by Nick Serpa/Cronkite News)
Jai, a Sumatran tiger, approaches a blood and fish popsicle–a favorite treat during a hot summer day. While these tigers are good at self-regulating their body temperatures, and will swim or lie in the shade when they’re getting hot, they also have access to an air-conditioned room during extremely hot days. (Photo by Nick Serpa/Cronkite News)
Zookeeper Corey Barr hoses down Sheena, a 46-year-old Asian elephant, in her habitat at Phoenix Zoo. The elephants’ habitats are outfitted with misters and fans, and zoo employees provide them with frozen treats like melons and popsicles. (Photo by Nick Serpa/ Cronkite News)
Zookeeper Corey Barr hoses down Sheena, a 46-year-old Asian elephant, in her habitat at Phoenix Zoo. The elephants’ habitats are outfitted with misters and fans, and zoo employees provide them with frozen treats such as melons and popsicles. (Photo by Nick Serpa/ Cronkite News)