Cologne Zoo: This is how tigers, lions and penguins cool down in the heat!

Cologne Zoo: This is how tigers, lions and penguins cool down in the heat!

The sun is burning, the temperatures are climbing above 30 degrees - summer is coming with full force in Cologne too. While people cool down with ice cream, cool drinks and visits to the outdoor pool, the Cologne Zoo is intensively concerned with the cooling strategies of its animal residents. KStA made interesting observations.

The Amur tiger siblings Tochka and Timur have chosen their pool as a cool retreat. The Asiatic lions, consisting of father Navin, mother Gina and their three offspring Mani, Nilay and Laya, also prefer to stay in the shade. A cozy nap in the cool zone becomes even more tempting as the temperatures rise. T Online also reports on these refreshing strategies.

The animal world and its tricks

Bactrian camels stand out for their special adaptability; they can withstand body temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius without coming into danger. A brilliant survival talent! They save water by reducing the amount of water in their urine and the air they breathe. Very clever! Marabou, on the other hand, use a somewhat unconventional method to keep the temperature down: by defecating on their own feet, they release heat through evaporation. KStA highlights these amazing strategies.

Hippos also have their own way of cooling themselves: they sweat out a reddish secretion that acts as a natural sunscreen and protects them from the sun. Humboldt penguins can be seen spreading their wings to give off heat. And California sea lions enjoy “ice cream cakes” on hot days – not ones to snack on, but frozen blocks of water filled with fish. A real treat for the sea creatures!

The zoo as a refuge

The zoo facilities are designed so that the animals can cope well even in extreme temperatures. In the South America House, for example, the temperature remains constant at a pleasant 25 degrees. Certainly a welcome change for the residents when the heat outside is oppressive. According to zoo spokesman Christoph Schütt, the wild animals can cope well with the high temperatures. There are also refreshing offers for visitors: ice cream and cold drinks also keep people moving under the shady trees.

Climate change not only has an impact in Cologne, but affects the entire world. Recent research, such as that by Amanda Pettersen from the University of Glasgow, shows that the adaptability of animal species is crucial to coping with temperature changes. CORDIS reports these important findings and emphasizes that mitochondria may play a role in adaptation. It remains to be seen whether wild animals like those in the Cologne Zoo can adapt to ever higher temperatures.

At these temperatures, Cologne Zoo remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone who wants to go on a trip will not only find fascinating wildlife there, but also exciting insights into how animals deal with the challenges of a changing climate.