As Qingdao continues to experience sweltering, humid summer weather, Qingdao Forest Wildlife World has rolled out a comprehensive heat management program to safeguard animal welfare, ensuring that its residents stay cool and comfortable throughout the hottest days of the season.
Across the park, animals are enjoying a variety of customized cooling treats and activities. Ring-tailed lemurs relax while enjoying frozen fruit treats, while red pandas cuddle and lick blocks of ice to lower their body temperature. Hippos are served chilled watermelons every day, helping them stay hydrated with juicy, refreshing fruit. Brown bears cool off by splashing and bathing in pools, and keepers hose down elephants with water to help them beat the heat. Giraffes also receive specially made long fruit ice pops designed to suit their feeding habits while providing extra relief from the high temperatures.
According to the park's animal keepers, species-specific heat-relief measures have been developed based on each animal's natural habitat and heat tolerance. Indoor and outdoor enclosures are equipped with misting systems, with spraying schedules adjusted according to changing temperatures. During periods of extreme heat, keepers, veterinarians and management staff work in rotating shifts to conduct continuous inspections, closely monitoring animals' feeding, hydration and overall condition to minimize the risk of heat stress.
The animals' diets are also adjusted during the summer, with additional fruits and fresh grasses rich in moisture helping to keep them hydrated. Keepers explained that frozen treats and ice are not only effective cooling tools but also an important form of behavioral enrichment. By encouraging natural feeding and exploration behaviors, chilled food helps relieve stress caused by high temperatures while supporting both the animals' physical health and psychological well-being.
The wildlife park has also launched a range of seasonal promotions to enrich visitors' summer travel experiences. A Summer Afternoon Special offers discounted admission at RMB 88 per person from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, providing a cooler option for afternoon visits. A Matchmaking Season promotion is available for newly married couples who register their marriage in August, while during the Qixi Festival celebration from August 17 to 23, couples visiting together can enjoy a "buy one, get one free" admission offer by sharing their visit on social media.
To further stimulate summer tourism consumption and strengthen cooperation among local attractions, the park has joined hands with major scenic destinations rated AAA or above, including Silk Road Romance Park, Qingdao Underwater World, Qingdao Polar Ocean World and Laoshan Scenic Area, to launch a ticket stub promotion. Visitors presenting valid admission tickets from participating attractions can purchase park tickets at a special price of RMB 90 per person, encouraging two-way visitor flows and promoting integrated tourism development across Qingdao.
In addition, the park's summer educational camps and Night Safari Experience are currently in full swing, giving visitors opportunities to observe wildlife up close while learning about wildlife conservation through interactive educational programs. More information is available through the official WeChat account of Qingdao Forest Wildlife World.
According to the park's management, protecting animals from summer heat is a vital part of ensuring animal welfare. Drawing on Qingdao's hot and humid climate, the park has established a mature, standardized heat-relief system tailored to the behavioral characteristics of different species. By building a comprehensive protection framework centered on animal welfare, the park continues to fulfill its commitment to wildlife conservation while expanding high-quality summer tourism offerings, further enhancing Qingdao's appeal as a distinctive summer travel destination.
Editor: Wang Lei/ Wang Yulin
