Video: Exotic Animals Need Protection From Extreme Heat

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The stifling heat and humidity means extra work for caretakers at Tupelo’s Buffalo Park, as they take steps to make sure exotic animals are kept cool.

Recently, the Buffalo Park acquired new additions, such as a giraffe named “Jafar,” who is now sharing space with “Patches.”

A team of experts takes care of more than 100 animals at the Buffalo Park, and during summer months, extra measures are taken to help keep the exotic animals cool.

For instance, misters are running in many cages, there are also fans and large buckets of ice are placed in the animals’ cages.

“The tigers we watch, a lot, and they have misters mainly on them, turtles have misters on them took, it really depends. Most animals, they are wild , so outside they’re used to heat.  But you have to make sure, even your regular farm animals you want to check on them constantly too, make sure they have plenty of water, put ice water in there with it to make it cooler for them,” said Redah Cleveland, manager at the Buffalo Park.

The Tupelo Buffalo Park also received acquired a female camel named “Josephine” and three nine month old water buffaloes.