Keepers at West Midland Safari Park have been keeping their animals cool during the hot weather by treating them to a variety of ice lollies.
All animals, big and small, have had their favourite foods prepared in ice blocks, such as fruit for the lemurs, insects for the meerkats and blood for the lions.
Keepers use a variety of vessels, such as buckets, tubing and silicone trays, to make sure the size of the lollies suit the animals they’re for.
Large animals such as the Indian rhinos get huge ice blocks, whereas the tiny meerkats receive small ice spheres. By presenting food in different ways, the lollies also form a part of the animals’ enrichment.
Indian rhino Rap, has been treated to an ice block made from fruit, vegetable and browse.
Head of Wildlife, Angela Potter said:
“Some of our exotic species really enjoy the sunshine, but when the temperatures soar, we do provide them with some extra enrichment to ensure that they feel more comfortable. Frozen, animal appropriate, ice lollies are very popular and many of our species, big and small, enjoy these treats.
“The giraffe and rhinos enjoy frozen vegetables and browse twigs, whilst the lemur and lorikeet lollies are made with pieces of fruit. For the animals that eat meat and insects, we may add things like fish for the penguins, mealworms for the meerkats and even blood for the lions. We also ensure the mud wallows are kept topped up so that species such as the Pére David’s deer and barasingha can cool off when needed.”
The rainbow lorikeets’ lollies had nectar and fruit in them. Photo: WMSP
Head of Wildlife, Angela Potter continued:
“We do have species that come from colder climates, such as the red pandas, so it is very important to ensure that they do not overheat. We do this by providing an air-conditioned unit within their house and cool mats under the straw in their nest boxes.”
As well as creating ice lollies, keepers have other crafty ways of keeping the animals in their care cool such as creating wet spots of sand for the meerkats, hosing down the ostriches and offering sprinkler sessions for the penguins.
The meerkats at West Midland Safari Park are treated to tiny ice spheres full of fruit and mealworms. Photo: WMSP
Visitors to the Park are being urged to stay hydrated by bringing water bottles with them, which they can refill onsite, wear hats and wear plenty of high-factor sun cream.
All the animals can be seen in the safari or walk-through areas at West Midland Safari Park are included in the standard admission charge of £25.00 for adults, £20.00 for children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions. Children under the age of three are free. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.
Admission includes a Free Return Code to visit again within six months, only when booking online in advance, without a Tesco voucher. Guests can also receive discounts for selected dates, when booking online at least two days in advance.
Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114.
Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.
