When the July heat is unbearable, Belgrade Zoo has a true hero – Bert the fur seal! This male from the eared seal family, who can hold his breath underwater for up to seven minutes in the wild, is now the star attraction. But life isn’t easy for Bert in the zoo. In summer, he gets only 3 kilograms of fish a day, while in winter, he’s fed up to 10 kilograms to help him bulk up and stay warm. His natural home is the southern oceans, but in Belgrade, he’s protected by shade, sun nets, and even a little house with a pool where he can cool off. But Bert isn’t just a seal who loves the shade – he’s a jealous sultan! In the wild, he guards a harem of 30 females and won’t let any rival steal them. In the zoo, he doesn’t have those problems, but he still patrols and guards his turf. His favorite companion is veterinary technician Jovanović, who spends the most time with him. If you’re in Belgrade and want to beat the heat, drop by the zoo and meet Bert – a seal who’s more than just an animal, he’s the summer’s star! Got a funny comment or think Bert could teach jealousy lessons? Jump into the chat – every joke is welcome here!
