Sunshine Aquarium's Heat Stroke Prevention Measures for 2025
As summer temperatures soar, Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is ramping up its efforts to protect both its animal residents and hardworking staff from heat-related health risks. With the revised Labor Safety and Health Regulations set to be implemented on June 1, 2025, businesses are now required to have protocols in place to mitigate heat stroke in the workplace. The aquarium is committed to enhancing its existing measures, focusing on animal welfare and adapting to environmental changes while ensuring the safety of its animal caretakers who work outdoors.
Heat Stroke in Aquarium Animals
It may come as a surprise, but the creatures at the aquarium can also suffer from heat stroke, just like humans. Signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, pale skin, and dehydration may indicate that these animals are feeling unwell due to high temperatures.
Enhanced Preventative Measures for 2025
This year, the aquarium has upgraded its strategies for various species:
Cape Penguins
Penguins typically receive hydration and salt intake from the fish they eat, which is usually soaked in seawater. Changes in their physical appearance, such as a shift in the color of the area above their eyes from pink to red, or displaying signs of heavy breathing, are critical warnings. To mitigate the risks of heat, the aquarium has installed additional sunshades in the outdoor Marine Garden, and equipped their