Did you know? The Living Desert is one of only two facilities in the country dedicated exclusively to desert animals and ecosystems! Which is why the animals in our care are experts at beating the heat — they’ve been adapting to this climate for centuries! Take giraffes, for example: underneath their spots lies a web of blood vessels that help release body heat, acting like a natural cooling system under the intense desert sun.
Though desert animals have evolved to thrive in some of the harshest climates on earth, they still enjoy a little treat when temps hit triple digits in addition to the ways they naturally keep cool. From frozen snacks to shady spots and pool days, here’s a few of the coolest ways we help the animals at the zoo stay comfortable during the hottest days of the year.
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Tasty Treats
TORTally delicious.
Fruits and vegetables aren’t just tasty — they’re packed with hydration! — and are just some of the hydrating elements animals are given to enjoy here at The Living Desert. -
Icicles
Ice, ice, tasty.Here, Mayhem the striped skunk enjoys a refreshing bug-filled ice sphere. Delectable!
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Water Enrichment
Camels throw down with a good hose-down.Hose-downs are more than a bath. They provide hydration and enrichment, supporting the camels’ overall wellbeing. Afterward, camels often engage in natural behaviors like rolling in the mud, which helps protect their skin from the sun.
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Burrowing
Diggin’ deep to beat the heat.Burrowing and lazing in the shade are two natural methods animals use to escape the midday sun and stay cool.
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Pool Parties
Hanging out by the pool? So EMUsing. And cooling.The habitats at The Living Desert are carefully designed with multiple water sources, including auto-refill water stations, and natural options like flowing streams, babbling waterfalls, and ponds.
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