Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you enjoy summer? What are some easy ways to stay cool in the summer?
- Do you like going outside? How can you stay cool while doing outdoor activities?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/
- treat /treet/
- cool off /kool awf/
- native /NEY-tiv/
- shell /shel/
[noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity
The conservation of forests helps protect wildlife.
[noun] – a special and enjoyable occasion or experience
She gave her dog treats for being good.
[verb] – to become cooler after being very hot, or to make someone or something cooler
The dog jumped in the pool to cool off.
[adjective] – relating to the place where a person was born or a thing started
The plant is native to this region.
[noun] – the hard outer covering of some creatures and objects
The turtle has a hard shell for protection.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Malayan tigers and Aldabra tortoises at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society in Florida are getting special frozen treats to stay cool during the summer heat. Temperatures in South Florida have been very high, reaching the upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) with humidity levels around 70%, making it feel over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). To help the animals manage the heat, zoo staff have introduced several cooling methods. Mike Terrell, the zoo’s curator of animal experiences, mentioned that although the animals are used to the warm climate, they still look for ways to cool off.
The zookeepers have found creative ways to help the animals stay comfortable. Large piles of ice are placed in the black bear enclosure, and the bear pool is chilled to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Otters receive ice blocks and frozen fish to play with and eat. Tigers are given frozen cow bones in ice blocks and frozen goat milk. They also enjoy swimming. Giant tortoises, native to the Indian Ocean islands, get cool showers from a hose, which they can feel through their shells. Terrell explained that zookeepers try different activities to see what the animals like best. Visitors, especially children, enjoy watching the animals play and cool off, often pressing their faces against the glass for a closer look.
The zookeepers have found creative ways to help the animals stay comfortable. Large piles of ice are placed in the black bear enclosure, and the bear pool is chilled to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Otters receive ice blocks and frozen fish to play with and eat. Tigers are given frozen cow bones in ice blocks and frozen goat milk. They also enjoy swimming. Giant tortoises, native to the Indian Ocean islands, get cool showers from a hose, which they can feel through their shells. Terrell explained that zookeepers try different activities to see what the animals like best. Visitors, especially children, enjoy watching the animals play and cool off, often pressing their faces against the glass for a closer look.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What special treat do Malayan tigers receive to help them cool off?
- How do black bears at the Palm Beach Zoo stay cool during the hot weather?
- What do otters get to play with and eat to help them manage the heat?
- How do giant tortoises experience cooling at the zoo?
- Why do zookeepers try different activities for the animals?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had to find ways to stay cool during hot weather? If so, what activities or methods did you use to beat the heat? If not, how do you usually manage the heat in warm conditions?
- Have you ever visited a zoo or animal park where you saw animals being given special treats or items to keep them comfortable? If so, what did you see, and how did the animals react? If not, what do you think would be interesting to see if you visited a zoo?
- Do you agree that it’s important for zoos to find different ways to help animals stay cool during extreme heat?
- What are some potential benefits and challenges of using frozen treats to cool animals in a zoo environment?
- How important is it for zoo staff to observe and adapt to the preferences of different animals when creating cooling solutions?