Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
How The LA Zoo Is Keeping Critters Cool
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park.
(
Andrew Cullen for LAist
/
LAist
)
While the Indian gharial, addax, and tropical primates may feel at home in these triple digit temperatures, not all animals in the L.A. Zoo feel the same way.
A worker holds a Gharial or fish-eating crocodile, newly hatched in captivity at Chennai Snake park in India in 2020
(
ARUN SANKAR
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
An addax calf, photographed at the Brookfield Zoo in 2013.
(
Scott Olson
/
Getty Images
)
To handle sweltering summer temperatures, the zoo generally relies on misters and water pools. But that's not enough for some animals — especially those who normally live in colder climates.
“Some of our animals like our snow leopards, they have temperature parameters and when it gets above a certain temperature we let them have access to their air conditioned holding bedroom area,” said Beth Shaffer, the Director of Animal Programs at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Support for LAist comes from
Snow leopards photographed at the L.A. Zoo in 2009.
(
David McNew
/
Getty Images
)
For animals that can withstand the heat, zookeepers will freeze ice blocks with treats like fruits and vegetables to keep the animals cool.
Shaffer said when it comes to adaptability to the heat, the weakest creatures in the zoo often have two legs and pay admission at the front gate. She reminds those planning on visiting the zoo this weekend to pack water, wear sunblock, and do their best to stay cool.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility. -
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’
Best of LAist