In recent days, Slovenia has been gripped by an intense heatwave, prompting urgent calls for increased care toward wild animals. As temperatures soar, wildlife faces growing challenges, with experts warning of severe consequences for both animal and human populations. The Slovenian Veterinary Service has issued guidelines advising the public to provide clean water for wild animals while avoiding the use of sugar, milk, or other additives. They have emphasized that if one observes a severely exhausted or injured wild animal, immediate contact with local veterinary services should be made. The heatwave has led to heightened activity among birds, which often seek water in unusual locations. Due to high temperatures, they pant heavily, spread their wings, and lose significant amounts of body fluid. Young birds in nests, especially those under rooftops or exposed areas, are particularly vulnerable, potentially overheating before they even begin to fly. Meanwhile, mammals such as hedgehogs, badgers, foxes, and wolves travel longer distances in search of water during these conditions, frequently crossing roads and settlements, increasing the risk of accidents. Bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, crucial pollinators, struggle without adequate water, leading to reduced effectiveness in their vital roles. Wetlands remain dry, rivers suffer from low water levels and warm waters, which contain less oxygen, causing distress among aquatic life. Larger wild animals, including deer, elk, and wild boars, increasingly approach human settlements due to water scarcity, though this is driven by survival rather than fear of humans. Scientific reports highlight that high temperatures desiccate the soil faster than drought alone, accelerating the depletion of water sources. This affects entire ecosystems, from insects and birds to mammals and humans. Water is essential not just for quenching thirst but also for regulating body temperature, digestion, metabolism, and overall bodily functions. Without water, animals rapidly become dehydrated, disoriented, and more susceptible to illness, injury, and predation. At the Ljubljana Zoo, staff are actively ensuring that all animals can cool down and refresh themselves. Animals respond differently to extreme heat, with those from northern and mountainous regions being especially affected. One of the most critical measures recommended is access to fresh drinking water. Meanwhile, Member of the National Council Katja Kokot, a veterinarian by profession, has taken personal action by placing two containers of water outside her home overnight. She shared the gesture on Facebook, explaining that she does so to help wild animals find relief during the current period of extreme heat and drought. The water is intended for both small and larger nocturnal visitors, offering them a chance to cool off. She encourages others to follow suit if possible. Footage from the Kočevski Nature Park reveals how wild animals cope with the heat. In the heart of the forest, animals seek shade, rest near water sources, and take moments to cool down. A recent video shows a family of bears, a deer cooling itself in a large pool, a bear drinking, and a graceful walk by a wild cat. These scenes illustrate the daily struggles of wildlife amid rising temperatures. The park’s message advises animals, and humans, to seek shelter, stay hydrated, and take breaks to avoid the effects of extreme heat.
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