15 January 2025

Due to the polar cold, BIOPARC Valencia activates the extraordinary protocol to guarantee the well-being of animals

Hot broths and drinks, heated floors and heat lamps provide maximum comfort to the different species housed in the Valencian animal conservation park. Although winter guidelines are implemented months in advance, given the sudden change in weather and freezing temperatures, the specialist team takes extreme care and attention to the most delicate species and the different babies such as the two elephants and the chimpanzee.

Prevention is essential for health and a golden rule for specialized centers such as BIOPARC Valencia where scientific criteria and the “know-how” of the professional team have the objective not only protect endangered species, but at the same time they must ensure the maximum well-being of each of the more than 6.000 animals under their responsibility. With this premise, a series of exceptional measures have been implemented to alleviate the effects of the sudden wave of polar cold, which are added to the winter action protocol.

Video: special measures against the cold.

Given the alarming weather forecast, the BIOPARC kitchen began to stock up on what was needed to prepare Vegetable broths and hot drinks and infusions that some primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees are already enjoying these days., even in a personalized way, according to the tastes of each individual.

BIOPARC Valencia's animal care team implementing measures to ensure animal welfare in the face of the polar cold wave

At the same time, the maintenance staff had already checked that the various Heating systems functioned correctly and that the elements with complementary sources of heat were ready. A whole set of actions adapted to the singularities of each species. The interior enclosures, where the animals spend the night and take shelter from the minimum temperatures, are equipped with radiators for the comfort of giraffes and elephants, among others. In the case of pachyderms, with sufficient power to ensure the comfort of the babies, Makena and Malik.

Primates are specifically sensitive to cold and the design of the spaces included heated cable floors and even Heat beds as “braziers” in the outdoor areas. This is essential for gorillas and chimpanzees who also have several babies who require special attention.

Engineering deployment for the well-being of 150 species with different needs.

The enormous variety of needs of the 150 different species at BIOPARC requires a display of engineering that takes sustainability into account, using components such as one of the largest biomass boilers in the region. The enormous aquariums in Kitum Cave, the only place in Spain where you can see the giant hippos underwater, are designed so that the water stays above 20 degrees. Right next door, the crocodiles also have even warmer water, to which are added large heated concrete slabs where they can enjoy sunbathing.

Other reptiles such as Aldabra tortoises (the second largest in existence) or sulcata, which usually “hibernate” during these months, take shelter in the quarantine area and have at their disposal ultraviolet bulbs that simulate the sun and infrared lamps to provide heat. This last method is added for ostriches.

Turtles in the quarantine area of ​​BIOPARC Valencia where they are protected from the cold wave

International guidelines against cold and wind chill.

As we were referring to prevention, in order for animals to have a strengthened immune system and in the best conditions, as is usual in the conservation park, in autumn the change of diet towards higher calorie foods and even the administration of supplements and vitamins was incorporated when necessary. Ensuring that animals are in optimal condition involves continuous care and attention. In this sense, the same applies international guidelines for ambient temperature control directed at different species.

Heated water in the Kitum cave aquarium at BIOPARC Valencia

It should be noted in this case that Favorable temperatures in Valencia that, even on the most extreme days, The enviable and beneficial sun encourages the rapid increase in the thermal sensation. In this way, throughout the morning, visitors to BIOPARC can watch the animals (who have access to the interior at will) enjoying the outdoor spaces. Among them, the “sun worshippers” as they are known for their curious posture to warm their glands to the unmistakable ring tailed lemurs.

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