Nashville Zoo Takes Extra Steps to Keep Animals Cool in Extreme Heat

Issue #148

14 Jul

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In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 97

🌡 Nashville Zoo Takes Extra Steps to Keep Animals Cool in Extreme Heat  

✋ 8th Annual “Southern Slow Down” Starts Monday

📌 Monday: Sip & Stitch!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

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Sunday, July 14th

Monday, July 15th

Tuesday, July 16th

Wednesday, July 17th

Thursday, July 18th

Saturday, July 20th

Sunday, July 21st

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Nashville Zoo Takes Extra Steps to Keep Animals Cool in Extreme Heat

With the soaring temperatures, everyone, including the staff at the Nashville Zoo, is taking extra steps to stay cool and safe. The animals at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, from flamingos to cougars to lemurs, are feeling the heat just like us, and zoo employees are diligently working to ensure their safety and comfort during these hot days.

One key strategy is ensuring all animals have access to shade. Additionally, making sure that the animals have ample drinking water and, where possible, water to immerse themselves in.

To further aid in cooling, more misting stations have been set up for the animals, and staff members are making ice treats to help them beat the heat. While many animals, such as primates and flamingos, can handle the extreme weather, these cooling measures are particularly beneficial for those with thick fur coats, like red pandas. In the summer, red pandas are given access to well air-conditioned indoor spaces to keep them comfortable.

Zoo officials also monitor the animals to ensure they don't show signs of overheating, such as lethargy or panting. Staff members, who take regular breaks and stay hydrated, are dedicated to the proactive care of the animals, addressing potential heat issues before they arise. The team is deeply passionate about the well-being of the animals, finding joy in seeing them thrive in their zoo homes.

8th Annual “Southern Slow Down” Starts Monday

State and local law enforcement in five states target speeding and aggressive driving during week-long enforcement and awareness campaign.

Georgia and Tennessee are joining forces with Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina for the eighth annual "Operation Southern Slow Down" speed enforcement and education campaign, taking place from July 15-21. The campaign kicks off on Monday with simultaneous news conferences across the five states, followed by a week of enforcement on interstate and major highways.

Representatives from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will highlight the dangers of speeding and how increased speeds lead to more road crashes. Troopers from the Georgia State Patrol and Tennessee Highway Patrol will discuss the impact of speed on the crashes they investigate, enforcement efforts during the week, and driving safety tips.

In 2022, NHTSA reported that 11,423 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in speeding-related crashes in the U.S., marking a 25 percent increase from 2018. Speeding contributed to one-third of traffic fatalities in the country last year. Data from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that the number of speeding-related fatal crashes in the five NHTSA Region 4 states increased by 14 percent from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, 1,610 passenger vehicle occupants died in speeding-related crashes in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, up from 1,410 in 2018.

Federal crash data also indicates a rise in speed-related fatal crashes on non-interstate roads. In 2022, 91 percent of speed-related crashes in these five southeastern states occurred on non-interstate highways, compared to 88 percent in 2018.

Speeding significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a fatal or serious-injury crash, according to Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. To ensure safer roads this summer, the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety urges drivers to comply voluntarily with speed limits.

Monday: Sip & Stitch!

Come to Sip and Stitch! Enjoy a relaxing and inspiring environment where you can share tips, tricks, and stories while working on your latest masterpiece. Tea will be provided, so come ready to sip, stitch, and connect!

871 Iron Bridge Rd.
July 15th, 1 PM - 2:30 PM

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Sunday, July 14th

Music on the Ridge - John Salaway, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Don McKinnon, The Tilted Mule, 3 PM
Level 77, The Rebel, 4 PM
Archer, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Brian & Aletha Golden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Monday, July 15th

Alyssa Hart, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Tuesday, July 16th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, July 17th

Austin Gray, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, July 18th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Muletown in the Round, Hardison Mill Homestead Hall, 7-9 PM
Kith & Kin Band, McCreary's Irish Pub,

Friday, July 19th

Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Ella & Blaine, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Karli & James Band, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Downsouth Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

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