Zoo animals also battling heat

Play in the water. Eat a popsicle. Stay in the shade if you can.

That's good advice for these hot summer days – for man and beast.

"We get the water hose, or we turn on the sprinkler for them so they can go ahead and have some time to cool off," said Stephanie Chavez, curator at Hillcrest Park Zoo, explaining some of the ways park officials try to ensure zoo residents stay cool.

"I know our hyena is one of our animals that absolutely loves to play in the water," Chavez said.

Temperatures have hit triple digits six times so far this summer at the Agriculture Science Center north of Clovis, with a high of 103 on Thursday and June 28. There's no relief in sight this week either. Weather forecasters are calling for high temperatures near 100 degrees every day, with little chance of rain.

Medical experts warn heat stroke can occur when your core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. Heat exhaustion can drain animals, too.

"We're not super concerned. But we do of course, keep an eye on everybody (at the zoo)," Chavez said.

Some animals have the option to go indoors if the weather gets to be too warm for them. "It definitely does depend on their climate as well as where their origin is," Chavez said. The spider monkeys and birds have access to air conditioning if needed. The zoo's most recent star attractions – a pair of baby kangaroos – had an air conditioner installed last week, she said.

For the animals that don't have an air conditioner: "They actually have giant shade structures that they can go ahead and be under," she said.

Zookeepers will also make various ice pops to give to the animals for a cold treat. And Chavez said swimming pools are available to some of the animals.

Water is changed daily or more often if needed for all zoo animals, she said.

"We make sure they have fresh greens and everything and to keep them hydrated; if it's lettuce or some kale or collard greens, and lots of fruit," Chavez said.