TAMPA, Fla. — As warmer temperatures continue to sweep across the Bay Area, we’re not the only ones to feel its effects.

This time of year, zookeepers at ZooTampa are performing extra rounds checking in on animals to make sure they stay cool. It’s a process that offers an extra treat for visitors.

“Just like us, they need ways to cool down,” says Amanda Powers, who works hard to keep the animals comfortable.

At the start of her daily rounds, she takes care of the greater one-horned rhinos — including one named ‘Gronk.’

“Gronk is not quite three-years-old yet so he’s still the little guy around here," says the senior animal care professional. "They really love water play and are very aquatic rhinos.”

Powers checks in on the animals at least four times a day, though others need a little more attention — like 'Matta' the tiger.

“We can, a lot of times, tell by their behavior if they’re not quite as bright or not as engaged in training sessions, and that they may need to cool down or get access to a different area,” said Powers.

And just like the animals, a few accommodations are made for guests and zookeepers too.

“We have misters all around the park; we have some cool splash pads and fountains for kids and adults, alike; and then, of course, we have various restaurants and air-conditioned areas to cool out around the zoo.”

Offering some new sights and sounds visitors may not otherwise get to see.

“You’re going to get to see some cool enrichment and interactive things like tossing popsicles to the tiger, giving animals baths," Powers said. "So I feel like it’s still a really cool guest experience even though it is a little bit hot.”

Making summer trips to the zoo a comfortable and fun experience for both visitors and resident animals.