Seoul Grand Park Zoo animals find relief from soaring temperatures with special cooling measures.
SEOUL, Aug. 2, 2025 — As a brutal heat wave gripped Seoul, with temperatures hitting a sweltering 34 to 35 degrees Celsius even in the morning, animals at Seoul Grand Park Zoo sought refuge from the oppressive heat. Many creatures retreated indoors, but visitors flocked to the Daedong Water Museum to witness elephants enjoying a refreshing dip.
- Seoul Grand Park Zoo is implementing special measures to help animals cope with an intense summer heat wave.
- Elephants are finding relief by spending extended periods in their pool, a behavior facilitated by zookeepers.
- Tigers are being treated to frozen fruits and chicken to combat the heat.
- Hippos are also enjoying frozen fruits as a cooling treat.
- The zoo has a total of 216 species and approximately 1,950 animals.
Zookeepers opened the enclosure doors, and the elephants, described as “very friendly with water,” moved directly into their pool. Asian elephants Hopes, Sougela, and Pung Deng, all female, stayed in the water for extended periods, enjoying the cool reprieve while snacking on sugarcane provided by their caretakers.
“This summer is exceptionally hot, and the animals are finding it difficult,” stated Yeo Yong-gu, the head of Seoul Grand Park Zoo.
Special Treats Beat the Heat
Beyond providing ample water, zookeepers are offering special dietary supplements. Hippos, typically preferring to stay in the water, emerged to enjoy ice fruits, a mix of watermelon, melon, carrots, and tomatoes. Kim Hee-jin, a zookeeper, noted that while fruit isn’t a primary food source for hippos, these frozen treats offer a welcome cool-down.
The zoo’s Siberian tigers also received a special meal. Baekdu, a 220kg male, was enticed by a presentation of protein-rich chicken, frozen fruits, and vegetables. He was observed licking the ice and pecking at chicken pieces suspended from a tree, showing clear appreciation for the cooling elements.
Jang Yun-ji explained that tigers, disliking the heat, naturally minimize their movement in summer to conserve energy. This special feeding helps keep them stimulated and hydrated.
In the ocean hall, otters and other marine animals were treated to live catfish. Kim Beom-ju commented, “In summer, the temperature is so high that children will fall like a human being.” This indicates the intense heat can affect all living beings, necessitating proactive care.
Seoul Grand Park Zoo routinely provides summer-specific meals to aid animals during the heat. The facility houses 216 species and approximately 1,950 animals across 25 exhibit areas. In addition to fresh water for all inhabitants, they provide pools for animals like tigers and elephants that enjoy water immersion. Sprinklers are active throughout the park, and temporary tents offer shade.
