Marwell Zoo uses frozen blood ice blocks to cool London big cats
At marwell zoo, London Zoo gave lions and Sumatran tigers frozen blood-based ice blocks during hot weather. The keepers also used misting systems and fans to help cool the surrounding air as temperatures rose.
Angela Ryan, ZSL’s head of zoological operations, said the aim was to give animals options. “Some will head straight for pools or shaded spots, while others really enjoy things like misting or frozen treats as a way to cool down,” she said.
London Zoo big cats
The ice blocks were often spiced or contained an edible treat, and ZSL said they did more than lower body temperature. The blocks also encouraged natural investigative and hunting behaviours in the big cats.
ZSL said the same approach reached beyond lions and Sumatran tigers. Gorillas received ice blocks made from sugar-free fruit teas, while keepers delivered special fruit and vegetable ice lollies to chimps, bears and red pandas.
Angela Ryan on animal choice
Ryan said the method was about matching the treatment to the animal rather than stepping in too much. “A lot of our species are actually built for warm weather anyway, so it’s not about over-intervening – it’s about making sure they’ve got the right options, and we’re watching closely so they stay comfortable.”
ZSL also said animals including the greater one-horned rhinos may be given a refreshing shower. Chester Zoo described other heat-fighting habits too, with Dr Nick Davis saying eastern black rhinos and capybaras cool off in mud wallows, while big cats such as Sumatran tigers and jaguars, Asian elephants and Humboldt penguins may take a dip in their pools.
Chester Zoo heat responses
Dr Nick Davis said, “As temperatures soar, many of the animals find their own ways of keeping cool in the sunshine,” and added: “The likes of the eastern black rhinos and capybaras will cool off by submerging themselves in mud wallows, while big cats such as Sumatran tigers and jaguars, and other species like Asian elephants and Humboldt penguins, might beat the heat by taking a dip in their pools.”
The range of measures shows how keepers are tailoring care during hot weather, from frozen treats and showers to pools, shaded spots and mud. At London Zoo, the immediate focus is on giving each animal the option that suits it best.
