Beating the Heat: How Tokyo‘s Ueno Zoo Keeps its Animals Cool During Scorching Summers
Tokyo, Japan – As Japan swelters through another intense summer, with temperatures and humidity soaring in mid-August, concerns extend beyond human comfort. At Ueno zoological gardens, tokyo’s oldest and most popular zoo, staff are working tirelessly to protect their animal residents – many hailing from vastly different, cooler climates – from the relentless heat.
Visitors seeking respite from the scorching sun themselves are utilizing parasols, electric fans, and misting stations throughout the zoo. But what measures are being taken behind the scenes to ensure the well-being of the animals,from polar bears to pandas?
“We’re doing our utmost to prevent the animals from suffering,” explains Mikako Kaneko,Deputy Director and Public Relations Manager at Ueno Zoo.”We have detailed handbooks for each species outlining ideal enclosure sizes, dietary needs, and, crucially, optimal temperature ranges.”
The zoo’s proactive approach extends to constant monitoring. Zookeepers are equipped with thermometers and hygrometers to meticulously track both temperature and humidity levels within the animal habitats.
For particularly sensitive species, a carefully orchestrated rotation system is in place. “For some animals, it’s imperative they move in and out of indoor, climate-controlled rooms daily,” Kaneko details. “Every early morning, we let them out briefly, clean the area immediately afterward, and bring them back inside. These are some of the measures we take to manage their comfort and hygiene.”[Image of a statue of a gorilla at Ueno Zoo barricaded to prevent visitors from touching it due to high temperatures. Caption:[ImageofastatueofagorillaatUenoZoobarricadedtopreventvisitorsfromtouchingitduetohightemperaturesCaption:
[ImageofastatueofagorillaatUenoZoobarricadedtopreventvisitorsfromtouchingitduetohightemperaturesCaption:A statue of a gorilla at Ueno Zoo is behind barricades to prevent visitors from touching it due to high temperatures.]Interestingly, some animals, like the zoo’s penguin population, are surprisingly well-adapted to warmer temperatures. [Image of penguins at Ueno zoo. Caption:[ImageofpenguinsatUenozooCaption:
[ImageofpenguinsatUenozooCaption:Despite their frigid natural habitats, penguins are surprisingly well-adapted to high summer temperatures.]Ueno Zoo’s dedication to animal welfare highlights the challenges faced by zoological institutions in a world