June 23, 2026 - 226 views
As Wales experiences what is expected to be its hottest week of the year, keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo are pulling out all the stops to ensure hundreds of animals stay cool, comfortable and healthy during the soaring temperatures.
The zoo, which overlooks Colwyn Bay and the North Wales coastline, has introduced a range of specialist cooling measures tailored to the needs of different species as temperatures continue to climb.
Animals are being treated to refreshing cold-water sprays, frozen food treats, shaded resting areas, cooling pools and additional hydration as part of the zoo’s seasonal welfare programme.
Playful primates have been enjoying icy fruit snacks, bears have been making the most of cool water to splash around in, while the zoo’s big cats have been spending more time relaxing in shaded areas created by keepers.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Mountain Zoo said: “Our animal welfare is always our top priority, especially during periods of hot weather. Our expert teams carefully monitor every species and provide a variety of cooling enrichments and activities to help keep the animals comfortable throughout the day.”
The zoo is home to around 60 different species from across the world, including snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, sea lions, Sumatran tigers and endangered red squirrels, many of which require carefully managed environments when temperatures become unusually high.
Keepers monitor animal behaviour throughout the day, adapting feeding times and enrichment activities where necessary to encourage natural behaviours while helping animals regulate their body temperature.
The warm weather comes as much of Wales remains under heat alerts, with public health officials urging people to take precautions during the exceptional temperatures. While many species naturally thrive in warmer climates, others require additional support to remain comfortable during prolonged periods of heat.
Despite the soaring temperatures, the zoo says it remains an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the summer sunshine. Set high above the coast, visitors can explore beautifully maintained gardens, winding pathways and picnic areas while taking in panoramic views stretching across the Irish Sea and North Wales.
As well as being one of North Wales’ most popular visitor attractions, the Welsh Mountain Zoo plays an important role in international conservation programmes. The zoo participates in a number of European breeding programmes for endangered species and has been involved in protecting threatened wildlife for more than six decades.
The charity also continues to invest in improvements across the site, including habitat upgrades and educational facilities, helping inspire future generations about wildlife conservation while supporting endangered species around the world.
Visitors planning a trip during the warm weather are being encouraged to prepare ahead by bringing sunscreen, hats and plenty of water, while making use of the zoo’s many shaded picnic spots throughout the grounds.
For the animals, however, the highlight of the week is likely to be the frozen treats and cooling activities carefully prepared by their keepers – helping ensure they can enjoy the summer safely while delighting visitors at the same time.
