Barcelona Zoo has once again implemented its special heat protocol, with measures such as enhanced hydration, adjusted feeding, and improved ventilation to minimise the impact of high temperatures on the animals.
Barcelona Zoo has activated its annual heat protocol, a set of measures aimed at ensuring the well-being of the more than 300 species it houses during episodes of extreme temperatures. The plan, managed by the municipal company BSM, focuses on hydration, feeding, and ventilation of the spaces.
Enhanced hydration and showers for sensitive species
One of the first actions of the protocol is the increase in water points within the facilities. Drinking troughs are renewed more frequently to ensure that animals always have access to fresh water. Additionally, cleaning and water renewal in bathing areas and mud baths, essential for the thermal regulation of species such as warthogs and turtles, is intensified.
Some species receive showers or sprays with hoses and sprinklers. This is the case for the red panda and the elephant, who enjoy scheduled baths to relieve the heat. In the bedrooms of certain animals, mechanisms have been installed to facilitate air renewal and improve indoor climate control.
Refreshing feeding: fruit ice creams and ice blocks
The diet is also adjusted during the hottest days. Conservation teams offer refreshing foods and specific enrichments. For example, primates receive frozen fruit and ice creams made from broth or juice; giraffes get ice blocks with fruit; sea lions receive blocks with fish; and mongooses and meerkats enjoy ice creams made from worms. These offerings not only aid hydration but also stimulate their natural behaviour.
The zoo's director, Antoni Alarcón, has emphasised that “adapting to heat episodes is part of our ongoing commitment to animal welfare and a management approach based on scientific knowledge and continuous observation of the animals.”
The park's microclimate, a natural ally
The location of Barcelona Zoo, next to Ciutadella Park and surrounded by vegetation, helps ensure that the temperature inside the enclosure can be up to three degrees lower than the city average. However, during episodes of intense heat, the park activates complementary measures to ensure that all species face high temperatures under the best possible conditions.
The protocol is applied in a coordinated manner by the park's professional teams, who adjust daily care according to the evolution of weather conditions. Visitors can also observe how the animals cool off in their facilities, adding extra appeal to the visit during the summer months.
For the citizens of Barcelona, this initiative guarantees that the Zoo maintains high standards of care, even in adverse weather conditions. Those who visit during these days will see the animals more active during the cooler hours, especially early in the morning or at dusk.
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