Are zoos ready for the changing climate?

As global temperatures rise due to climate change, zoos worldwide are grappling with the challenge of keeping their animal residents healthy and comfortable in increasingly extreme heat. While many people associate lions with hot, arid climates, the recent heat-related deaths of three lions at Tama Zoo in Japan revealed that even these naturally robust animals can succumb to high temperatures, especially when coupled with high humidity.

This incident underscores the need for zoos to reassess their animal welfare protocols, as heat stress can impact a wide range of species, from polar bears and penguins to great apes, tapirs, cheetahs, and elephants. Traditional zoo designs often prioritize protection from cold weather, but climate change is intensifying the frequency, duration, and severity of heat waves globally.

Modern zoos can enhance animal welfare through infrastructure improvements like shading, misting systems, and climate-controlled refuges, but these measures alone are insufficient. Zoos must also adapt their daily management practices, such as adjusting feeding and enrichment schedules to minimize heat exposure during peak hours.

Monitoring individual animal behavior remains crucial, as subtle changes like lethargy, reduced activity, or altered interactions can signal heat-related stress. Ultimately, zoos must view extreme heat as a significant animal welfare risk, akin to severe weather events or disease outbreaks, integrating comprehensive heat management strategies into their ongoing operations.