Splash! Mud baths, fish hunts: Seoul Grand Park offers 'heatwave specials' for animals

Seoul Grand Park is implementing special measures to help its animals cope with the ongoing extreme heatwave, providing tailored diets and activities designed to keep them cool and healthy. The park is offering a variety of "summer survival" meals and enrichment to combat heat stress and maintain the animals' well-being.

On July 7, the park distributed approximately 930 kilograms of specially prepared food across 16 animal enclosures. The menu included moisture-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as aquatic life, to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition. These customized meals are intended to prevent stress and bolster the immune systems of the animals during the sweltering weather.

Specific provisions cater to the needs of different species. Siberian tigers received live carp and beef tendons to encourage natural hunting behaviors and provide protein. Moon bears were given beef tendons and assorted fruits and vegetables to alleviate heat stress and supply essential vitamins. Asian elephants benefited from mud baths, funded by public donations and the "Companion Fund," while Barbary sheep received mud baths as well.

To further aid the animals, hippos were treated to seasonal fruits like watermelons to boost their energy. The Japanese monkey enclosure, which recently reopened after 42 years, features a pond filled with ice and fruits to stimulate active feeding behaviors. Park Director Park Jin-soon stated, "We will help the animals have a healthier summer than ever by supplying customized nutrients and encouraging activities that tap into their wild instincts."

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We will help the animals have a healthier summer than ever by supplying customized nutrients and encouraging activities that tap into their wild instincts.