SPATA, Greece (AP) — Tiembe, the 15-year-old Angolan lion, casts a discerning gaze at his frozen feast—an intriguing block of ice cradling chunks of red meat and bone. As the mercury climbs to an astonishing 40°C (107.5°F) in Greece, the Attica Zoological Park near the capital serves up innovative frozen meals to provide relief for its animal residents during the relentless assault of the fourth heat wave in less than a month.
Against a backdrop of extreme temperatures and the looming threat of wildfires—a pressing concern for biodiversity in southern Europe—Greek wildlife faces a formidable challenge. The recent 11-day inferno on the picturesque island of Rhodes forced the evacuation of 20,000 people, leaving a trail of devastation that included an estimated 2,500 animals, beehives, and 50,000 olive trees, according to somber reports from Agriculture Ministry officials.
Located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, the zoo has transformed into a haven for animals affected by the Rhodes blaze. An injured deer and several turtles, some equipped with makeshift wheels sourced from toys for enhanced mobility, now find solace within the zoo’s care.
Antonis Balas, the zoo’s curator, underscores the importance of heightened awareness among pet owners, particularly those with popular breeds acclimated to the cooler climates of Northern and Central Europe. In Balas’ words, animals, much like humans, experience the impact of soaring temperatures. The frozen treats provided serve not only as a culinary delight but also as a supplement to their regular meals. Ring-tailed lemurs, for instance, relish fruit popsicles, savoring the icy goodness and basking in the cool air—a refreshing departure from the human reliance on sweating to regulate body temperature.
July witnessed ten significant wildfires across Greece, with flames engulfing areas outside Athens. Amid the chaos, over 450 dogs and cats were rescued from the relentless fires, abandoned by owners who fled the imminent danger, according to a charity collaborating with a state animal agency. Nearly half of these animals have found their way back to their owners, while the rest await temporary adoption.
In the aftermath of the Greek fires, PETA, the international animal charity, issued a poignant plea, urging pet owners not to forsake their furry companions. Elisa Allen, the group’s vice president for programs, seized upon the moment to emphasize the pivotal role played by the animal farming industry in propelling global climate change—a stark reminder that the same industry fuels the climate catastrophe and contributes to the conditions conducive to rampant wildfires.
As temperatures threaten to breach 42°C (107.6°F) in certain parts of central Greece on Saturday, there is a collective hope for a reprieve in the scorching conditions come early next week—a testament to the resilience of both humans and animals alike in the face of nature’s formidable challenges.