#Species: acouchy

[fenrislorsrai]

Acouchi by Smithsonian's National Zoo Via Flickr: Photo Credit: Smithsonian's National Zoo With temperatures soaring, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to take good care of its creatures—human and non-human alike! Here’s what we do for our animals in this heat: •Most of the animals that can go outside are offered a choice year round—to go outside or to stay in their indoor exhibit. Most indoor exhibits are cooled with AC in the summer and warmed with heat in the winter. •Giant pandas have air-conditioned and radiant water-chilled grottos. They have AC indoors. They’re not huge fans of heat, so on hot days they mostly stay inside. •Many animals are offered fruitsicles as enrichment, which can be particularly refreshing this time of year. Fruitsicles are popsicles—they are usually diluted fruit juice frozen with cut-up chunks of fresh fruit in them. Gorillas, elephants and other bears enjoy these treats, too. (Note that these aren’t just a summertime treat! They receive them year-round.) •Some animals have the option of taking a dip in their outdoor pools: Andean bears, pandas, lions, tigers, anteaters and otters. Others are acclimated to this weather. Our visitors have a number of options for staying cool: •Water fountains are available around the park. •They can enjoy a number of “misters” around the Zoo. •The Zoo sells a variety of ice cream and frozen treats, along with cold beverages and bottled water. •All of our animal houses are air conditioned.