Adding an ice bed to giant pandas? Beijing Zoo Response Method | Giant Panda | Ice Bed
Since the beginning of summer, the consecutive high temperatures have not been able to stop tourists from visiting the zoo to watch giant pandas. Many citizens and tourists have proposed that the park add cooling facilities such as ice beds to the pandas.
The staff of Beijing Zoo stated that they had previously installed ice beds for giant pandas, but the usage rate was not high; At present, the outdoor sports field for giant pandas is equipped with a pool, a sunshade umbrella, and indoor air conditioning. In addition, the zoo also ensures animal health through various methods such as placing ice cubes, laying cool mats, and providing chilled bamboo shoots.
"It's too hot, I feel like I'm going to melt." Occasionally, tourists exclaim. In the Panda Pavilion of the Asian Games, almost every glass window where pandas can be seen is filled with people. "Can pandas tolerate such hot weather?" Many tourists suggest adding ice bed facilities to giant pandas to achieve the effect of heatstroke prevention and cooling. "If there is an ice bed outdoors, giant pandas are more willing to go outside," said a tourist.
It is understood that Beijing Zoo once installed an ice bed for polar bears. The refrigeration principle of an ice bed is similar to that of a household refrigerator, and the temperature can be adjusted by itself, with a minimum of minus 30 degrees Celsius. The staff will regularly place ice cubes in the ice bed to achieve a continuous cooling effect.
"We have previously installed ice beds in the outdoor sports field of giant pandas, but through years of observation, our keepers have found that the usage rate of ice beds by giant pandas is relatively low." The relevant staff of Beijing Zoo stated that currently, the outdoor sports field of giant pandas is equipped with a pool and sunshade umbrellas, and if necessary, it will also be cooled down through watering, spraying, and other methods; The room is equipped with air conditioning, and when the temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, the keeper will open the door for free entry and exit. In addition, Beijing Zoo also ensures the health of various animals, including giant pandas, by placing ice cubes, laying cool mats, and providing chilled bamboo shoots.