Barcelona Zoo activates additional animal-care measures during episodes of intense heat, including more frequent refilling of drinking troughs, unrestricted access to shelters and indoor spaces, and cooling food for some species.

The measures matter for animals kept at the Ciutadella Park site, where keepers adapt hydration, feeding and ventilation routines to reduce heat stress. According to the Zoo, its vegetation means average temperatures inside the grounds are about 3°C lower than elsewhere in the city, but it still introduces its special protocol when temperatures rise sharply.

“We give priority to maintaining comfortable temperatures in habitats, strive to keep animals properly hydrated and take all the steps needed to ensure they can continue following their usual behaviour habits in the best possible conditions,” said Antoni Alarcon, director of Barcelona Zoo.

Fresh water, shelter access and cooling diets

Under the protocol, gates to shelters and indoor areas remain open so animals can use them whenever they choose. Keepers also renew water in drinking troughs more often and provide additional troughs where needed.

  • Bathing areas and mud pits are cleaned and their water changed more frequently for species including warthogs and elephants.
  • Ventilation in enclosures is improved during hot periods.
  • Some animals receive ice or frozen food adapted to their normal diet, as an additional source of hydration rather than a replacement for regular food.

The Zoo has used blocks of ice containing fruit and tubers for giraffes, allowing the animals to lick the ice gradually. It says the protocol is adjusted to the environmental needs and behaviour of each species.

Zoo says measures complement daily care

The heat measures supplement daily routines carried out by animal keepers, rather than replacing them. Barcelona Zoo says its approach focuses on thermal comfort, hydration and allowing animals to maintain normal behaviours, including bathing for more aquatic species.

Visitors seeking information on the Zoo’s animal-welfare measures can consult its official Heat and animal welfare notice.

Reported by zoobarcelona.cat, Màrius Lamor, bsmsa.cat, lavanguardia.com, Redacción Cataluña, Xavi Segura, euronews.com, catalannews.com, euroweeklynews.com, Àlex Sancliment, Agencias, russpain.com.