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TYLER (KYTX) - Summer is just around the corner and it's getting
hot! the heat can be uncomfortable not just for people, but animals too.
Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge in Tyler to see how the big cats are coping
with the heat.
The hot summer days can be rough for these big guys. "When the weather starts to get a little bit hotter the big cats tend to slow down a little bit. You're going to see them in the shady areas napping. A lot of times you'll see them go into their houses to try and get out of the sun," says emily owen.
Emily Owen is the Assistant Director of Tiger Creek. She says the staff has been working hard to keep the animals from over heating. Owen explains, "We do our best to keep them cool anyways. We do worry more about the older cats. We'll have misters and fans going and we keep an eye on them a little bit closer."
Tiger Creek has 38 big cats which includes tigers, leopards, bobcats, lions, and cougars. All of them have houses designed to keep them cool. "They are made out of concrete and stone, which keeps the internal temperature a lot lower than it is out here. They are also very low ventilated, so a nice breeze comes through, it gets to go through and circulate through the house as well," states Owen.
Owen tells me it's not abnormal for these cats to experience heat because of their natural environment. "For the most part they'll adjust really well. They do tend to nap a little more, their diet is going to be a little bit less just as you'll find with humans," says Owen.
The big cats love the pool not only cools down these big guys behind me, but it's also a great way for them to stay hydrated all throughout the day.
Tiger Creek also mentions all of this year's rain has set it back. The refuge is in the process of expanding the facility and adding more animals.
source
The hot summer days can be rough for these big guys. "When the weather starts to get a little bit hotter the big cats tend to slow down a little bit. You're going to see them in the shady areas napping. A lot of times you'll see them go into their houses to try and get out of the sun," says emily owen.
Emily Owen is the Assistant Director of Tiger Creek. She says the staff has been working hard to keep the animals from over heating. Owen explains, "We do our best to keep them cool anyways. We do worry more about the older cats. We'll have misters and fans going and we keep an eye on them a little bit closer."
Tiger Creek has 38 big cats which includes tigers, leopards, bobcats, lions, and cougars. All of them have houses designed to keep them cool. "They are made out of concrete and stone, which keeps the internal temperature a lot lower than it is out here. They are also very low ventilated, so a nice breeze comes through, it gets to go through and circulate through the house as well," states Owen.
Owen tells me it's not abnormal for these cats to experience heat because of their natural environment. "For the most part they'll adjust really well. They do tend to nap a little more, their diet is going to be a little bit less just as you'll find with humans," says Owen.
The big cats love the pool not only cools down these big guys behind me, but it's also a great way for them to stay hydrated all throughout the day.
Tiger Creek also mentions all of this year's rain has set it back. The refuge is in the process of expanding the facility and adding more animals.
source
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