In farms and zoos, the furry and feathered rely on their human caretakers to keep them comfortable. Human care is especially important during potentially fatal hot spells like the one now blanketing much of the country.
In Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan province, two pandas managed to adapt to the hot weather by sitting in the water, and when that wasn’t enough. One climbed up their cage to be closer to the air conditioner.
The two pandas, named Yayun and Erxi, were flown in from Southwestern city of Chengdu on Monday. And they were picked up by a special vehicle, equipped with not just air conditioners, but also FIVE huge ice cubes. Zookeepers say pandas are especially susceptible to heat. But they’re not the only animals that have been suffering under the heat.
Crocodiles and gorillas have been hiding indoors to avoid the baking-hot sun. Fans and water-misting systems are widely used to keep animals from overheating. The only exception perhaps is this goose, enjoying the summer breeze on the lake.