The manager of the Saskatoon zoo says most of the animals there are happily enjoying the heat, despite the smoke

Animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo are doing just fine with the warm weather and most of them are enjoying it, despite the smoky conditions, zoo manager Jeff Mitchell said Monday.

“The zebras love the heat, they love being out in this weather. Some animals are a little less enthusiastic about it. The snow leopard doesn’t like this weather,” Mitchell said.

A polar bear died Friday at the Calgary Zoo. Baffin was sparring with another polar bear in a pool when a volunteer noticed he wasn’t coming back up to the surface. The zoo’s interim CEO and COO told CBC last week that the death was sudden and that an autopsy will determine the cause.

Marty, Shadow and Missy the zebras enjoy the warm weather in their large backyard at the Saskatoon Zoo. (Don Somers/CBC)

Mitchell said most animals at the Saskatoon Zoo have the choice of going inside, outside or into a pool.

“The bears have an indoor enclosure in the back that both of them, Mistaya and Coda, can go into to get out of the heat. It’s definitely cooler there and definitely not as smoky. They also have their swimming pool that they use a lot,” he said.

Mitchell said the snow leopard also has the choice of being inside or outside, but he usually chooses to be outside. He also has sprinklers around him to keep him cool.

“We’re also giving a lot of melons this year because they’re full of water, to keep them hydrated. We’re also taking these big ceramic tiles that we freeze, and then we’re moving those ceramic tiles to different animal areas so the animals can lay on them,” he said.

Jeff Mitchell, the zoo’s manager, said birds including bald eagles are coping well with the heat and smoke right now, but they will be moved inside if conditions get worse. (Don Somers/CBC)

Mitchell said the smoke is a concern for some animals, including birds.

“We’re keeping a close eye on things and have already spoken to our vets about what we can do for the health of the birds. If it gets really bad, we’ll take the birds out of the exhibit and move them inside,” he said.