By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
High heat and humidity have their own distinct impacts on humans around Kansas. So, too, are other fur-bearers impacted. Zoos include many animals not native to Kansas and its hot summers. Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said most of the animals in Great Bend are at least partially acclimated to the weather.
"Most of our animals have lived here most of their lives so they're used to our heat," she said. "But usually, if it gets above 85-90, we give them the option to go back into their house if they want to. They can choose if they want to be inside or outside."
All the animals have a least a big fan to help them stay cool. Others, like older gibbon apes, the kinkajou, and tamandua have air conditioners in their small buildings. Animals have misters outside, and they enjoy extra ice treats and frozen activities throughout the summer. As the name implies, Burdick said arctic foxes are probably impacted the most by high temperatures.
"They're not really built to put up with when we get over 100," she said. "Again, they get ice and they have little fans in their nest boxes if they want to use that. I think they're the ones that probably dislike it the most."
Some of the animals have other ways of cooling off. Max, a 30-year-old grizzly bear, was recently spotted enjoying a back rub against rocks as he sat in a swimming hole.