AUSTRALIA ZOO NEWS

Summer is in full swing and with Queensland feeling the heat more than some, Australia Zoo's animals need a little extra help to cool down - a task their creative keepers have taken in their stride!

Some Zoo homes for animals like the wombats and red pandas are fitted with permanent air-conditioning systems so they can retreat from the heat throughout the year. Koala branches are also set up with mist sprays to keep eucalypt leaves fresh, but in addition to these cool zones, now is the perfect season to create fresh, new enrichment activities for all the animals spending their days in the Aussie summer.

The African Savannah at Australia Zoo is the only multispecies exhibit in Queensland with giraffe, zebra and rhino all roaming together. During summer, guests may notice the savannah is spotted with the rhino's homemade mud wallows where they can often be seen coating themselves in cool mud to protect them from the sun and any pesky insects. Across the savannah the cheetahs are spoilt in their own special way with ice blocks infused with milk, kibble, fish and meat in the shade of the mango trees.

Sometimes it seems ice treats are the only way to combat the heat for both humans and animals, and so our wonderful keepers take it upon themselves to personalise ice blocks according to each animal's favourite tastes. While the Tasmanian devils thoroughly enjoy a meat ice block on a warm day, the otters enjoy floating ice blocks packed to the brim with mealworms and fish!

Tigers are known as being one of the only big cats that enjoy swimming and with Australia Zoo having one of the only underwater viewing facilities for tigers in the Southern Hemisphere, summertime is the best time to spot the cats getting playful in the pool. Guests can watch the cubs during routine play sessions as they get familiar around the water and take a quick refreshing dip!

Our gorgeous roving birds such as macaws and cockatoos love to ruffle their feathers in the misters throughout the park, stretching out their wings to cool down while putting on an impressive show for onlookers. By offering different enrichment activities to our gorgeous animals that suit each season, it helps to engage and stimulate their minds for a varied and healthy life.

While most of the wildlife are keeping cool, Australia Zoo's cold blooded animals are currently thriving in the warmer weather; basking in the summer heat and soaking in the rays which regulate their body temperature. Faster metabolisms and bigger appetites means our huge saltwater crocodiles have been getting bigger food items. Summer really is the ideal time to witness these apex predators in their element.

With so many awesome activities for our beautiful animals, we invite everyone to come check out Australia Zoo during the warmer months. We even have human sprinkler cool down stations and fantastic misters for any humans needing a quick cool off!