Manila Zoo implements heat preventive measures to keep animals cool

May 8, 2024 - By Keonna Mikaela Atienza & Aabgina Cos

A white Siberian tiger slips a nap under the shade of its shelter. (Photo by Aabgina Cos/The Manila Warden)  

Amid the scorching heat, zookeepers and veterinarians at Manila Zoo ensure longer ‘rest periods’ in between visiting hours as they stay on high alert for heat strokes and other illnesses among animals.  

Dr. Vanessa D. Ong, one of the three resident veterinarians responsible for the animals in Manila Zoo, said that they closely monitor and conduct heatwave protocols for each group of animals like monkeys and apes for mammals, apex predators such as lions and white Siberian tigers, savannah animals like ostriches, deers, and zebras, as well as birds and reptiles.  

“‘Yung Apex, ‘yung mga big cats—Sila talaga ‘yung prone sa heat stroke. Kaya talagang top priority talaga sila. Yung mga mammals din natin, monitored diyan, is unang-una yung breathing nila. Normally naman talaga pag mainit, nagpapant sila pero wag yung mabilis talaga,” she said. 

The Manila Zoo continues to remain open for visitors despite the extreme heat, with consideration that the animals take turns entering the exhibition areas and avoid the hottest time of the day, which is around 12 to 2 p.m.  

“‘Pag medyo bumaba na ‘yung temperature or namanage na namin through misting, kunyare d’on sa exhibit ng tigers, pinapalabas namin pag napaliguan na siya, tapos, pumwesto na yung surroundings niya, pwede na ulit silang ilabas,” Dr. Ong said.  

Misting is a method that the zookeepers conduct for the animals, where they lightly spray them with water through a water hose or have their enclosures moist with water or sprinkles to keep a cool, wet environment. 

“Sa loob ng isolation nila, binibigyan namin sila ng, ang tawag namin diyan is ‘bloodsicle’ — Para siyang popsicle, ice na may karne. Para yun yung pinaka treat nila,” she added.  

The veterinarian also mentioned that their team provides soluble electrolyte vitamins for each animal, assisted water-soaking sessions for reptiles, and sprinkles for savanna species.  

Due to the demands of the animals from the intense heat, the expenses of Manila Zoo significantly increased.  

“Siguro itong isang buwan, plus yung water, mataas talaga ng mga P30 to P50 thousand,” Dr. Ong said.  

“Lalo na sa ‘pag kinkulang kami ng water supply namin, syempre tumaas yan. Tapos ‘yung isa pang medyo nag increase kami ‘yung vitamins—lahat ‘yan [the animals] binibigyan,” she added.  

An ostrich basks in the sunlight penetrating through its enclosure. (Photo by Aabgina Cos/The Manila Warden)  

Zookeeper’s duty 

Meanwhile, zookeeper and special operations officer Regie Aguilar has the duty of monitoring the temperature of animals and ensuring the animals of each sector are cool, well-fed, and relaxed.  

“Ang ginagawa natin sa umaga ay mag didilig tayo. Papadilig para yung init ng araw sa mga 10 a.m hanggang 11 a.m, nalelessen na natin yun. So ang pinakamatinding init ng araw is 1 p.m.,” he said.   

“D’on tayo magpapabigay ng break sa big cats natin. Ipapasok natin sila sa enclosure, ilalabas ng keeper d’on at ididilig ulit. So, yung nadilig ng umaga hindi na gano’n kainit. Masama naman kasi yung tirik ang araw, tuyo yung lupa tapos magdidilig ka,” he added. 

According to Aguilar, Arroceros Park, the capital’s last forested area is significant in helping zoos or wildlife sanctuaries, and that more trees would be better in the city, “So, halimbawa, sa dami ng puno, ma-lessen ng tatlong [degrees] […] Pasalamat tayo at marami tayong puno dito.”