SCDF Donated Firefighting Hoses to the Zoo to be Made into Beds for Animals

Thankfully, we no longer have to use wooden buckets filled with water to put out blazes.

These days, long, high-pressured hoses are used to extinguish fires, and can often do so in a matter of minutes.

It’s the weapon of choice for firefighters because the strong bursts of water in rapid succession keeps the flames at bay.

But we’ve now found another cuter use for these hoses.

SCDF Donated Firefighting Hoses to the Zoo 

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has donated more than 90 firefighting hoses to Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) as part of the force’s efforts to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Warning that it may induce “cuteness overload”, the SCDF shared a post about the move on Facebook.

As part of the initiative, animals at the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, and River Safari have been able to interact with these hoses.

“The hoses are made of materials that are durable and safe for the animals. It can withstand the strong teeth of hyenas and the sharp talons of eagles,” SCDF said.

But they’re not using it to put out fires in the zoo, of course. Most of them don’t have the dexterity for it.

So, what are they doing with so many hoses?

Repurposed as Beds, Vines, & Puzzle Feeders

According to the SCDF, the Animal Presentations team at WRS found ways to upcycle old fire hoses by converting them into enrichment devices for their animals, which keeps them mentally and physically stimulated.

The most adorable use of the hoses was to make comfy beds for some of the zoo’s residents, like these cute dogs.

It was also used to make hanging “vines”, form horizontal pathways for the animals, or as durable anchor points to suspend heavy branches.

It’s perfect for animals like this little Binturong to use for exercise and play.

The hoses have even been constructed into cubes and hanging pouches that are then stuffed with meat, fruits, veggies, and grass, so they can be used as puzzle feeders.

For the uninitiated, puzzle feeders are objects that hold food and must be manipulated to release the food.

This helps their meals last longer, increases the physical exertion needed to obtain food, and provides some mental stimulation as well.

As SCDF said, it makes feeding time challenging and fun for the animals.

But if you’re a lazy mammal (like me), you can choose to while your hours away hanging in a hammock made of fire hoses instead.

SCDF said in its post that this is the second time it has donated old hoses to WRS in support of the global effort to go green.

If you head to these three places, you might be able to catch the animal residents interacting with their newly-donated hoses!

Featured Image: Facebook (Singapore Civil Defence Force)