Zoo animals beat the heat

Everyone is feeling the heat– but we’re not the only ones battling the triple digits. The staff at The Living Desert is doing what they can to give their animals a break from the heat.

“We give them mister systems, swamp coolers, especially for the [camels] they love the hose, so they drink straight from it. They also like to have their backsides hosed down,” said Bekki Lorton, an animal keeper at The Living Desert.

The Living Desert staff prepares special ice treats for the animals, like frozen bricks of ice with fruit inside, most of the animals favorites.

While these animals like to catch a break from the heat, they are desert dwelling and are acclimated to the high temperatures. Director of Animal Programs, RoxAnna Breitigan, explains that the animals do well in the desert. “Most of all of these animals are from the desert and their natural habitat is to be in the desert, so they’re kind of built fort his weather.”

The cooling tips used by The Living Desert staff can be used for your own special pets at home.

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