The biology team has reinforced its summer protocol with extraordinary measures to ensure the well-being of the animals, especially the numerous young of species such as rhinoceros, chimpanzee, and elephant. Environmental enrichment elements and activities encourage play, provide food, hydration, and cooling. The exotic landscapes and lush vegetation of BIOPARC, with its waterfalls, lakes, and streams, create a true climatic oasis for visitors as well, with a perceived temperature as low as -11º compared to the center of Valencia.
With the arrival of summer, the technical team at BIOPARC Valencia is launching a special operation to provide maximum welfare to more than 6.000 animals of 150 speciesThe diet is adjusted to reduce calorie intake and promote greater hydrationMonitoring of the most vulnerable individuals is reinforced, and more comfortable conditions are maintained in the different areas of the park that recreate fascinating African landscapes. The protocols take on special importance and they adapt to care, activity and play due to the presence of numerous offspring of species such as aardvark, rhinoceros, chimpanzee or elephant.
Ice cream as environmental enrichment for animals
When temperatures are higher, BIOPARC's biology staff implement environmental enrichment techniques highly desired by animalsThey are a refreshing solution that also offers entertainment and fun. The juicy ones Ice creams are the favorites and are included in the diet of some species, always adapted to their nutritional needs and with varied flavors, textures and sizes.
For the herd of pachyderms, with the "little elephants" Makena and Malik, preparations are underway giant blocks of ice made from vegetables and greens which they enjoy while bathing in the lake; the chimpanzees, with the babies Cala and Ekon, enjoy sorbets with fruits, seeds or vegetables, as well as the gorilla family and the various lemurs; while the lions delight in licking "popsicles" of blood and frozen raw meat.
Beyond cooling your body, These delicious “surprises” transform eating into a behavioral activity as they manipulate, search and rummage to defrost the delicacy, prolonging the time spent eating and stimulating their innate instincts.
Water, a fundamental element at BIOPARC Valencia
At the same time, water becomes a great ally at BIOPARC. Artificial rain cools several venues Throughout the day, buffalo or sitatungas take advantage of any opportunity to dive into the estuaries, and hippos can be seen diving in Spain's only underwater viewing area.
Another resource such as Mud provides a natural treatment to protect the skin and maintain an adequate body temperature of the group of warthogs (“Pumba” in The Lion King) with the three recently born, zebras and rhinoceroses, the latter with the “non-stop” of the mischievous Cairo 8 months.
Oasis of nature, climate refuge in the heart of the city
Moreover, A stroll through BIOPARC during the summer is like stepping into a true oasis of wild nature.The lush vegetation creates a dense green canopy, among which stands out the largest acacia forest in Europe, providing shade practically along the entire route. The waterfalls improve the perceived temperature and create a particularly pleasant atmosphere. In fact, on certain days, Differences of up to 11 degrees less have been recorded compared to the center of Valencia.
An opportunity to get closer to this model of “leisure with a cause” where environmental outreach and commitment to biodiversity conservation are the fundamental pillars, with direct actions in the park and through the BIOPARC Foundation in the habitats of origin of endangered species.
