Local temperatures are expected to reach (or exceed) 99°F for the rest of this week. For comparison, NOAA reports that our average high for the month of July is only 80°F.
“Big yikes.”
When the weather gets this hot, our staff deftly adjusts the daily routine to keep the residents cool, comfortable and entertained throughout the day.
One popular activity is drinking from improvised hydration stations (i.e., containers of cold water). Sometimes, we add pieces of fruit or chunks of ice for the chimpanzees to fish out and snack on. Occasionally, we also mix in a little bit of Gatorade® powder to create a diluted sports drink.* The chimps always have access to fresh running water via the Lixit® drinking fountains in each enclosure, but they seem to prefer drinking from the oversized tubs of cool hose water on days like today.
*The best Gatorade flavor is “blue” because it tastes exactly like the color blue.
I took some photos of the chimps in Cy’s group as they utilized the splashy enrichment this afternoon. It can sometimes be difficult to identify them as they lower their faces into the containers, obscuring their distinguishable features.
On the other side of the building, the individuals in Jamie’s group had already filled up with hose water and floating berries and were lounging in the cool front rooms. I managed to capture a photo of Foxie in the “studio,” staring back at the camera with doll in hand.
Thanks, Anthony!
Are you guys back to full staff now?
Is activity level the way you can tell when they’re feeling the heat? I guess in the wild, they don’t have many options, and definitely not sno cone boats!
They look like they’re fine.
Stay cool (or at least, not hot)!
We’re doing alright! Time off is important for so many reasons and we’re getting good at covering for each other during the busy times.
Honestly, I don’t think the chimps change their activity levels much, but the way they utilize the different spaces clearly changes with the temperature. An afternoon siesta is pretty normal for them in any weather, but maybe they nap longer and in different locations when it’s hot? I’ve also noticed they’re using fewer blankets in their nests right now. Still, even the heat doesn’t prevent them from doing the essentials (Burrito playing chase, for example) and they all remain bright, alert and responsive!
Sorry you have to deal with heat! After looking through these photos, I’d say everyone looks cool and happy.
I had fun guessing who was submerged and sipping. Didn’t get anyone right! And I hardly recognized Marvelous Mave. She doesn’t look as floofy or as frecklely as usual. But I did spot her beauty mark set dead center on her bottom lip!
And you caregivers be sure to hydrate too! Hang in there, we had an entire week of blazing 90’s and today almost feels cool in the mid 80’s.
Lots of chimp butts sticking out of tubs lately!
It’s cool that you distinguish her by her lip freckle! I’ve never noticed how obvious it is before. Thanks for teaching me something new, Kathleen!
We’re staying cool and hydrated, but it’s taking more effort now than ever before. 🙂
Foxie has a huge heart for her dolls!!!:revolving_hearts:
Yes, she does! 🙂
Thank you Anthony.
try to stay cool everyone.
Thanks! You too!