ZSL London Zoo Coati have ice Why?

[RafalJG]

Hi,
Yesterday I been in London ZOO.
I see Coatis have a ice in the aviary.
Does anyone know why does the ice and what for?
Ice was with pieces of fruit.
I have three coatis at home in my privat aviary but first time I see ice on coati aviary.

My coati:

My coati at Szop Pracz's Photos | Facebook

 

[volvox]

London Zoo often gives animals (not just coatis) ice with fruit embedded in it – it's one of the "enrichment" activities, that is, something to keep the animals challenged and lively as they try to get at the fruit. But it's always been in very hot weather in my experience, and unless it was very different in London compared to where I was, the temperature didn't manage to get up to 20 degrees yesterday!

 

[bugs]

Some zoos even make blood 'ice lollies' for their animals.

Theres some pics in the article below:

Animals affected by the heatwave in Britain, Europe, China and the US cool down with ice and water - Telegraph

 

[pipaluk]

London Zoo often gives animals (not just coatis) ice with fruit embedded in it – it's one of the "enrichment" activities, that is, something to keep the animals challenged and lively as they try to get at the fruit. But it's always been in very hot weather in my experience, and unless it was very different in London compared to where I was, the temperature didn't manage to get up to 20 degrees yesterday!

The wolverine at whipsnade had an ice block, with what appeared to be meat in it last monday & it must have been below 15 that day & for several days prior to that. One of them was biting & scratching it though so it may have more to do with enrichment.

 

[johnstoni.]

Hi,
Yesterday I been in London ZOO.
I see Coatis have a ice in the aviary.
Does anyone know why does the ice and what for?
Ice was with pieces of fruit.
I have three coatis at home in my privat aviary but first time I see ice on coati aviary.

It would be good for you to write to zoos with coatis for enrichment ideas for your own animals - or even try and access the zoo biology e-group (is this still going), where many zoo professionals request, and pool ideas.

 

[Clouded Leopard]

Keepers give otters blocks of ice with shrimp inside to keep them busy using tools. Some otters even stick their favourite tool in their armpit to save it for further use.

 

[stubeanz]

This is really a form of enrichment on hot days and can help keep them a little cooler also. I use it with meerkats and skunks and even rats in the past.... They love it!