A Greek zoo serves up frozen meals to animals to help them beat the heat

In an effort to help animals withstand the heat, a zoo in Greece has started providing them with frozen meals.

When first presented with his icy breakfast, Tiembe, a 15-year-old Angolan lion, appeared unsure. Encased in a foot-long ice block were chunks of red meat and bone. Nevertheless, he ultimately licked the ice and began to nibble the meat free.

The animals at Attica Zoological Park, located just outside of Athens, were treated to these frozen meals on Friday as the country’s temperatures soared to 40 C (107.5 F), signaling the onset of the fourth heatwave in less than a month.

These intense temperatures, coupled with wildfires, are becoming an increasingly grave issue for the biodiversity in southern Europe, and their impact on Greek wildlife is noticeable.

On the island of Rhodes, a fire raged for 11 continuous days, forcing 20,000 people, mostly tourists, to evacuate. The animals on the island weren’t so lucky. In the destruction, an estimated 2,500 animals and beehives, as well as 50,000 olive trees, were incinerated. Dead fallow deer, a symbol of Rhodes, were discovered on the roadsides.

The zoo, situated 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the east of Athens, has taken in an injured deer and several turtles—some of which have been fitted with wheels from toys to aid in their movement—that were burned and otherwise injured during the Rhodes fire.

Zoo curator Antonis Balas emphasized the importance of being aware of the needs of pets during extreme heat. He remarked that many popular pet breeds come from the cooler climates of Northern and Central Europe, and thus, suffer in the heat.

Heat affects animals much like it does humans, he explained, while feeding ring-tailed lemurs fruit popsicles. They licked the ice, breathing in the cool air—a contrast to human sweating to regulate body temperature.

In July, Greece was struck by ten significant wildfires, including major ones outside Athens. More than 450 pet dogs and cats were saved from the fires, with about half now reunited with their owners. The rest have been temporarily adopted.

In response to the Greek fires, international animal charity PETA urged pet owners not to abandon their animals, and also highlighted the connection between animal farming and climate change. Elisa Allen, the group’s vice president for programs, pointed out that the animal agriculture industry is a significant global contributor to climate change, exacerbating conditions that allow wildfires to spread.

Temperatures in central parts of Greece are anticipated to reach 42 C (107.6 F) on Saturday before subsiding somewhat early the following week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Greek zoo