SunSmarts - A Sun Protection Awareness Program
While visiting the Greenville Zoo don’t forget to protect yourself. No, not from the lions or leopards, instead, from the Sun! Did you know that 90% of skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun? That’s why we want you to be safe and aware of your time in the sun at the Greenville Zoo.
Here are a few ways to protect your skin while at the Greenville Zoo:
- Wear Sunscreen
- Wear Hats
- Seek Shade
- Drink Water
- Wear Sunglasses
Did you know that you can purchase sunscreen, hats and sunglasses in our Safari Gift Shop? You can also receive complimentary water when you present your reusable water bottle at the concession stand as well as using the water fountains located near Cub Kingdom and the Farmyard.
Animal skin, like human skin, needs protection from the sun’s burning rays. Here are a few ways animals in the Greenville Zoo protect their skin on hot summer days:
Giraffes
Giraffes have a dark-colored tongue that prevents it from becoming sunburned.
Orangutans
Orangutans shelter themselves from the sun’s strong rays by draping leafy branches over their heads and necks.
Monkeys
Monkey’s fur protects their skin from the sun!
Tortoise
Have shells that protect them from many dangers in the environment, including predators, rain, and the sun’s strong rays.
Frogs
Frogs secrete a gel-like substance called gadusol, which acts as a natural sunscreen.
Ducks
Ducks have webbed feet that allow heat to escape from their body. This is one way they keep cool even on very hot days.