Taiwan zoo animals get frozen treats amid rising heat costs

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's zoos are grappling with unprecedented financial pressures as prolonged heat waves exceeding 97 degrees Fahrenheit force wildlife facilities to invest heavily in specialized cooling equipment and innovative animal care programs. The escalating costs reflect broader challenges that climate change poses to zoo operations worldwide, as extreme weather patterns demand increasingly sophisticated solutions to protect animals and maintain visitor experiences.

The Taipei Zoo (臺北市立動物園) announced Thursday (Sept. 11) the purchase of new ice-making machines for its central kitchen (中央廚房), abandoning time-consuming traditional vegetable and fruit ice blocks in favor of immediate crushed ice relief for animals. The investment represents escalating operational costs as extreme temperatures persist well into September, despite the end of summer vacation periods, forcing the facility to adapt its animal care strategies.

Zoo keepers and summer interns now craft elaborate frozen treats tailored to specific animals throughout the facility's diverse zones. Small-clawed otters Orange (橘子) and Ace (艾斯) receive "crushed ice fish rice balls" in the Temperate Animal Zone, while Asian black bear Black Ring (黑輪) enjoys fruit shaved ice in the Taiwan Animal Zone, creating specialized cooling experiences.

The otters demonstrate remarkable natural foraging behaviors by using their agile front paws to dig through crushed ice, meticulously searching for hidden fish before carrying their discoveries to water pools for consumption. Black Ring displays equally impressive instincts, using his keen sense of smell to locate fruits buried within his icy mountain, often sitting cross-legged while contentedly enjoying the frozen treats in what resembles a leisurely summer feast.

While these behavioral enrichment programs significantly improve animal welfare and provide compelling educational opportunities for visitors (參訪遊客), they underscore the growing financial burden of climate adaptation. The facility must now maintain extensive additional cooling infrastructure, including indoor air conditioning systems, outdoor pavilions, advanced misting systems, and specialized ice production equipment requiring ongoing maintenance and substantial energy costs.

Taiwan's zoos face mounting pressure to balance animal welfare with operational sustainability as temperatures continue rising beyond traditional seasonal patterns throughout the island. The challenge reflects broader difficulties that wildlife facilities worldwide encounter as extreme weather becomes increasingly frequent and costly to manage, forcing institutions to reimagine their fundamental approaches to animal care in an era of climate uncertainty. ◼