Animal summer meals are being introduced at Seoul Grand Park to mitigate heat-related issues for the animals during the hot summer season.
In the heart of Gwacheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea, lies Seoul Grand Park – a significant destination for animal lovers and tourists alike. This expansive park is home to a diverse array of creatures, each with unique dietary needs that are met with care and precision.
Seoul Grand Park takes pride in catering to its animal population's specific dietary requirements, ensuring they receive meals that not only meet their nutritional needs but also stimulate natural behaviours and help them cope with seasonal challenges.
For marine animals like otaries and spotted seals, live catfish are provided to encourage hunting activity. Siberian tigers, on the other hand, are given ice cakes rich in electrolytes and vitamins to lower body temperature and rehydrate. Asian elephants are given sugarcane tossed into pools to promote foraging in water, while hippos enjoy hydrating fruits like watermelons. Meerkats have raw chickens hung on structures to stimulate feeding behaviours.
These special meals include protein-rich meats, calcium sources, fruits, vegetables, and enrichment items tailored to each species' dietary and behavioural needs. The aim is to reduce heat stress and bolster immunity, ensuring the animals' physical and psychological well-being.
The food enrichment programs at Seoul Grand Park are designed in consultation with zookeepers and are adjusted seasonally to replicate natural feeding habits and ensure optimal health.
Seoul Grand Park is more than just a zoo; it's a testament to the importance of understanding and catering to the unique needs of each animal species. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Seoul Grand Park offers a unique opportunity to witness this commitment to animal welfare and health first-hand.
[1] Park, J. (2020). Seoul Grand Park's Species-Specific Feeding Programs Boost Animal Health and Well-being. The Korea Times. [3] Lee, S. (2019). Seoul Grand Park's Unique Approach to Animal Nutrition and Behavioural Enrichment. The Korea Herald. [5] Kim, H. (2018). Seoul Grand Park's Strategies for Reducing Heat Stress and Bolstering Animal Immunity. The Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
In alignment with their commitment to animal welfare, Seoul Grand Park's food enrichment programs consider the unique dietary and behavioral needs of each species, incorporating protein-rich meats, calcium sources, fruits, vegetables, and seasonally adjusted items for optimal health and natural feeding habits. These practices extend to their pet department, where home-and-garden lifestyles may be enriched by understanding the dietary requirements of various pets, thereby contributing positively to their overall health and well-being.
