Rio zoo animals given frozen treats as heat grips the city
Rio de Janeiro’s BioParque zoo gave animals popsicles and other frozen treats Tuesday as the city faced another day of extreme summer heat, according to zoo officials. Jaguars, monkeys and other animals were among those receiving an iced diet prepared for their species’ needs.
Zoo officials said some animals were given frozen fruit, while others were offered mixtures containing frozen blood. The goal, they said, was routine animal care that helps provide thermal comfort during periods of extreme heat.
In the monkey enclosures, zoo keepers handed out watermelon popsicles to a group of monkeys. Elsewhere, a jaguar attempted to fish out ground chicken popsicles from a tray that floated in its water tank.
Letizia Feitoza, a biologist at the zoo, explained what happened next. “When she tries to fish out the frozen food, she ends up ingesting water as well,” she said, adding that “This is important for her hydration.”
The zoo said the frozen foods were part of its standard approach during hot stretches and are intended to help animals stay comfortable. Officials said similar initiatives were carried out last summer, when high temperatures affected much of Brazil’s southeast.
The latest measures came as temperatures in Rio de Janeiro rose over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Sunday and Monday. City authorities issued a Level 3 heat alert and warned residents about health risks tied to prolonged exposure.
Despite the warnings, residents continued visiting the Bioparque Zoo during the heat. Visitors watched animals licking red popsicles as keepers served the frozen treats.
Lorena Carvalho, a teacher visiting the zoo, said she found the activity appealing. “I thought it was really cool,” she said, adding, “I think it brings them more comfort.”