COOL FOR CATS - How the snow leopards keep cool in the heat
Relief from soaring summer temperatures comes in many forms for the Snow leopards at Melbourne Zoo. On days when the temperature climbs above 25°C, Melbourne Zoo carnivore keepers provide female Mishka and male Kang-Ju with a refreshing misting system, and icy treats.
Melbourne Zoo Carnivores Keeper Nathan Bailey said the cooling tonics can be employed to provide short- and long-term solutions.
“On really hot sunny days, we like to give icy treats to all of our carnivores,” Mr Bailey said. “For the Snow leopards, we have diluted lactose-free milk ice blocks, which they love to lick, to cool off straight away.
Along with shaded habitats, all animals at Melbourne Zoo have access to night dens, which are kept cool with air-conditioning and insulation.
Snow leopards are among the world's most elusive animals and are classified as Vulnerable in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. They live in harsh mountain environments in countries including India, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Threats faced by Snow leopards in the wild include poaching and mining developments.
Entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park is free for children under 16 years during Victorian school holidays, public holidays and weekends.