Meet Zuri, a water-loving rhino who knows how to beat the heat

Europe is currently experiencing a massive heat wave, which has resulted in several deaths in France and record-breaking temperatures in England and Wales. According to USA Today, some forecasters are warning that much of the United States will soon be facing a hot summer, as well:

. . . the summer forecast released May 21 by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center shows that widespread above-average temperatures are expected across much of the country, with the exception of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.

According to the forecast from NOAA, the June-July-August temperature outlook "favors above-normal temperatures throughout the West, much of the Great Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and East."

The official start of summer here in the U.S. is mere weeks away, and to prepare ourselves for the rising temperatures ahead, I think we should all follow the example of a water-loving rhino named Zuri and beat the heat by staying very well hydrated! Here's some inspo for you — behold Zuri, an eastern black rhino, slurping up water from a hose in the most delightful way. I love her cute upper lip and little tongue, and I find it hilarious that her mouth makes its own little face — can you see it? Her nostrils are the eyes and her upper lip is the nose. It's weirdly adorable. I also love how happy Zuri looks as she beats the heat with as much water as she wants!

The video was taken by keeper Callum at the Chester Zoo, where Zuri lives. Someone on Instagram commented on how the video has opened "a whole new world," as they have never seen a rhino's lips so clearly before. I feel the same way! The same person commented, "She is such a beauty" – I also fully agree!

Chester Zoo describes eastern black rhinos as "among the most fascinating and endangered animals on the planet." You can recognize them by their tell-tale "unique hooked lips;" their two horns made from keratin that grow throughout their lifetime; and their thick, protective skin. Unfortunately, they are classified as critically endangered, due to poaching and habitat loss. But thankfully, the Chester Zoo is helping conserve the species, and Zuri is playing a big part. After a 15-month pregnancy, she gave birth to an adorable female calf in November, 2023, which, lucky, for us, was captured on video, which you can read about and see here.

Chester Zoo, located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, England, describes itself as an "environmental conservation organization" that's "helping wildlife thrive in 20 countries." Learn more about Chester Zoo on its website and see more videos of the animals in its care on the zoo's Instagram or YouTube.

Stay safe, cool, and well-hydrated, friends!