Look Who it Was Random video

Zoo Taking Extra Steps To Keep Animals Cool

198 views · Published 5 July 2012 · 2:00 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

by John Madewell This staggering heat has taken a toll on people, plants and pets. But there is also another group at risk: the animals of the Chattanooga Zoo.Zookeepers have taken extra steps to make sure all of them are calm and cool. This afternoon, it was time to break out the frozen treats for many of the animals at the Chattanooga Zoo.A frozen Kool-Aid block proved to be a huge hit with the chimpanzees, especially for Goliath. Zookeepers looked on as he took off with the block, "He's going to make off with it and he's not sharing."After a pass around inside the enclosed area, Goliath let some of his mates join in on the refreshing treat.But beating this sweltering heat doesn't stop with frozen treats, air conditioned den areas and water pools.Laura Ellinor keeps a watchful eye on the five macaws at the zoo. With prompting, Calypso squawks for "Water!" Ellinor said, "If it's raining, she just sits there and says water." Right on cue, Calypso screams "Water!"And with this heat wave taking hold, Ellinor breaks out the water hose mist more frequently. Now, she waters the macaws every day. The misting is similar to their native rain forest climate.The main order of the past week has been attention to behavior,  even for those animals naturally used to sweltering heat. Supervisor Jennifer Rivera, a licensed veterinary technician, explained, "I mean it's gotten to the point where it's so hot even the jaguars that are used to subtropical heat are panting and having a problem. So we keep an eye on everybody."

More from this channel