Keeping Cool at Great Ape Trust
July 20, 2011
Written by Al Setka, Director of Communications
Cool and refreshing – that’s the goal for Great Ape Trust caretakers dealing with extreme heat and humidity to make life enjoyable for bonobos and orangutans.
“The bonobos all seem to tolerate the heat and will spend some time lounging outdoors. If they get too warm, they’ll come inside for a nap on the cool floor,” said Tyler Romine, laboratory supervisor. “We’ve also set up a hose and misting station for them to cool off.”
Romine says the staff provides plenty of sugar-free fluids during the hot weather such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid and ice tea and meals this week have included more frozen fruit, yogurt and shaved ice.
Activity in the orangutan home is similar.
“We give them their hose to play with, set up sprinklers and baby pools of water and provide lots of frozen treats,” said Rhonda Pietsch, supervisor in the orangutan lab. “Allie loves the hot weather. She is often out in her hammock enjoying a Popsicle in the heat of the afternoon.”
While bonobos and orangutans are found in equatorial rain forests, only one of the apes at The Trust ever lived in the wild – the bonobo Matata who is in her 40s.
By the way, in case you were wondering – apes do sweat.
VIEW PHOTOS OF THE ORANGUTANS COPING WITH THE HEAT BY CLICKING ONTO THE SLIDESHOW BELOW.
Jill Bogart says:
I was Lucy Temerlin's daytime caretaker in the mid 60's at the University of Oklahoma. Jane Temerlin worked for WB Lemmon, who had many Chimps at his home outside of Norman. I was soooo moved by Dr. Temerlin's story, I bought his book. I would love to come see the bonobo's sometime soon. Jill Bogart/Tulsa, OK