Beating the heat: Lions and tigers cool off with ‘bloodsicles’ at Philippine zoo

Amid a scorching heatwave in the Philippines, a zoo is providing tigers with frozen treats madefrom animal blood and is restricting lion mating during the hottest hours of the day. Manila has experienced record-high temperatures, compellingschools nationwide to suspend in-person classes. As residents seek refuge in air-conditioned malls and pools, animals at Manila Zoo are also seeking relief from the extreme heat.

Ensuring the prevention of heatstroke, especially among the large cats, was the primary concern, according to zoo veterinarian Dave Vinas in an interview with AFP on Tuesday, as temperatures soared to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in the city.

To reduce temperatures inside the concrete enclosures, water is continuously splashed on the walls and ground throughout the day.

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Frozen treats, dubbed "bloodsicles," consisting of frozen ground beef or chicken mixed with animal blood and vitamins, are provided for the big cats to lick.

Additionally, tigers and lions receive regular sprays of water and have access to pools within their enclosures to cool off.

Wendell, a five-year-old Bengal tiger weighing nearly 400 kilogrammes (882 pounds), continuously pants while spending hours submerged in a shallow pool.

Water is also poured inthe enclosures housing snakes and turtles to help regulate their body temperature.

While providing ice treats and baths during the warmer months of March, April, and May is routine.

El Nino weather phenomenon

The El Niño weather pattern is being attributed to the intense heat and extreme weather conditions in the region.

During the typical high-temperature months of March, April, and May, the archipelago saw the heat index reach the "danger" level of 42°C (108°F).

State meteorologists anticipated even higher temperatures in at least 30 cities and municipalities on Wednesday.

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The Philippine Department of Education reported that nearly 6,700 schools suspended in-person classes on Wednesday, April 24th.

(With inputs from agencies)