Fresno Chaffee Zoo keepers working around the clock to keep animals cool

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Zookeepers at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo are taking extra precautions to keep the animals safe during this heat wave.

Ice blocks, water and open access to their air-conditioned facilities are just a few ways they regulate their temperatures. At the African Adventure exhibit, many of the larger animals like the rhinos and elephants also have access to mud wallows.

"Not only does it keep them cool but it stops them from getting sunburned as you can imagine it acts like a sun-block and keeps flies from biting them and in this heat that represents a huge problem," trainer Robert Conachie said.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open all summer, and on Friday nights in May and June, they're open until 7 p.m. for Evenings on the Savannah.