AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - To ease the effects of intense heat in Manaus during the Amazonian summer, the Jungle Warfare Instruction Center (CIGS) Zoo has adopted a different strategy to care for the approximately 400 animals that live there: distributing popsicles made with meat and fruit. The measure is part of a set of actions aimed at the animals' well-being during the hottest period of the year.

The food receives frozen versions included in the diet. The nutritional value is not changed, but the presentation is modified to help with thermal comfort and stimulate natural behaviors.

The so-called "popsicles" are made with meat for carnivorous animals and with fruit for herbivores and omnivores. The technique is known as food-based environmental enrichment and helps cool and entertain the animals during the hottest hours of the day.

In addition, blocks of ice are placed in drinking troughs to keep the water cooler. The big cats and tapirs receive showers throughout the day, especially during the hottest hours.

In the primate enclosure, fans that release a mist of water and air have been installed. According to the team, the solution was adopted because the monkeys' islands cannot have very tall trees or branches that could facilitate escapes or communication between enclosures.

Administered by the Brazilian Army, the zoo houses exclusively species of Amazonian wildlife. The facility provides shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for animals rescued or seized by environmental agencies.

Lieutenant Lauren Bazzi, veterinarian at the Jungle Warfare Instruction Center (CIGS).
"These popsicles for the felines, for the animals that eat meat, can be made with either red meat or chicken, and that also depends on the basis of the diet they are going to eat that day.
And for the other animals, we use fruit."

Mariana Costa, lawyer.
"We have a fan at home, we have air conditioning, we have ways to transform, to improve our heat, but they, the poor little animals, stay here, and it is a good initiative.
Fruit already cools them down, and frozen fruit, I imagine, is even better because they give it to them."

Lieutenant Lauren Bazzi, veterinarian at the Jungle Warfare Instruction Center (CIGS).
"It is very important to say that these animals are the result of trafficking, mistreatment and illegal captivity.
So, these are animals that were previously found to no longer have the conditions to return to the wild.
And we try to provide them with the best comfort, a better and more dignified home."

Amazon Agency