Dierenpark Amersfoort (Amersfoort Zoo in The Netherlands ) has found a solution for this. The heat lamps have a movement sensor. When the meerkats go to their shelter the lamp switches on. When the animals can enjoy the real sun, the lamp stays off. The meerkats in Amersfoort are pretty much used to this by now.
Dierenpark Amersfoort is a major energy consumer. Where possible the zoo tries to save energy, among other things by smart solutions such as these. Environmentally friendly initiatives such as these have earned the zoo a silver Green Key.
Environmentally friendly sunbathing
15juli2009
Meerkats like to stand or lie in the sun all day. Unfortunately this is not always possible in the Dutch climate. The zoos therefore install heat lamps for the meerkats. But those are big energy consumers.
