Hello, little explorers! Did you know that animals – and even people – need to cool down in the hot summer?
Today, I’m going to tell you how some animals and people stay cool when it’s sunny outside.
Hippos
Hippos are big animals that live in very warm places. When it gets too hot, they love to spend most of their day in the water! The water helps them stay cool and comfortable. Did you know that hippos also have a special way to protect their skin from the sun? They can secrete a special substance that works like sunscreen! This keeps their skin from getting sunburned while they are out of the water.
Cats and Dogs
Do you have a pet at home? Cats and dogs cool down by panting, which means they breathe really fast with their mouths open. They don’t sweat like we do, so panting helps them feel better on hot days. Did you know that cats and dogs can also sweat a little through their paws? Their paw pads help release some heat, but panting is still the main way they stay cool.
Squirrels
Have you ever seen a squirrel? These busy little animals lay flat on the ground or a tree branch when they feel hot. This helps cool down their bodies, especially their tummies!
Rabbits
Rabbits have special ears that help them cool down. When it’s hot, they spread their big ears wide so that the air can cool their bodies faster.
People
And what about us? People have many fun ways to stay cool! We can go swimming to feel the cool water on our skin, eat yummy ice cream to cool down from the inside, or even turn on the air conditioner to make our homes feel nice and cool. We can also drink lots of water and play in the shade to stay safe in the heat!
Remember, just like these animals, we all need to stay cool and have fun in the summer. Let’s enjoy the sunshine safely!