The special protocol adjusts hydration, feeding, ventilation and bathing areas to help various species cope with high temperatures
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With the arrival of intense heat, Zoo de Barcelona is once again activating its special protocol to minimise the impact of high temperatures on the animals and ensure their well-being. The facility, managed by the municipal company BSM, adapts hydration, feeding, ventilation and bathing areas to the specific needs of each species.
The protocol focuses primarily on three areas: hydration, feeding and enclosure ventilation. The goal is to reduce the impact of high temperatures and ensure the animals have the most suitable conditions during hot spells.
One of the priority measures is increased hydration. For this reason, during the hot months, the number of water points in the enclosures is increased, and drinking troughs are replenished more frequently to ensure the animals always have access to fresh water. Cleaning and water replacement are also intensified in bathing areas and mud wallows - spaces essential for regulating the body temperature of species such as warthogs and tortoises.
At the same time, certain species, such as the red panda and the elephant, receive showers or misting via hoses and sprinklers. Additionally, specific mechanisms are used in some indoor enclosures to facilitate air circulation and improve indoor climate control.
Feeding routines are also adjusted during the hottest days. The animal care teams provide cooling foods and specific enrichment items, such as frozen fruit and ice treats made from broth or fruit juice for primates; ice blocks containing fruit for giraffes and fish for sea lions; and “worm-sicles” for mongooses and meerkats. These offerings help keep the animals hydrated while simultaneously stimulating their natural behaviours.
Zoo de Barcelona’s location - adjacent to Parc de la Ciutadella and surrounded by vegetation - helps keep temperatures within the grounds up to three degrees cooler than the city average. However, during periods of intense heat, the park implements additional measures to ensure all species can cope with the high temperatures under the best possible conditions.
Through this protocol, Zoo de Barcelona is reaffirming its commitment to animal welfare and to management based on the constant monitoring of each species’ needs. “Adapting to heatwaves is part of our ongoing commitment to animal welfare and to management grounded in scientific knowledge and continuous observation of the animals”, says Antoni Alarcon, director of Zoo de Barcelona. These measures are carried out in a coordinated manner by the park’s professional teams, who adjust daily care routines based on changing weather conditions.
