Local zoos and animal shelters say they’ll be keeping a close eye on animal welfare this week as the heat wave sets in. Some have shifted hours or decided to close altogether.

Officials at the Phoenix Zoo say extreme temperatures are nothing new to their keepers and staff. Right now the plan is to shut their doors to visitors in the early afternoon in keeping with their typical summer schedule.

Linda Hardwick, a zoo spokeswoman, said the keepers will be keeping a close eye on the animals for signs of lethargy. They’ve also installed several measures to help them cool off.    

"The javelinas have mud wallows. Our southern white rhinoceros also has a mud wallow and a pool that she enjoys," Hardwick explained. "We will also do some showering of our great horned owls, several of our birds like emus."

Officials at the Arizona Animal Welfare League, however, say they’ll be shutting down adoption operations on Tuesday.

"It was only one time in our history that we had to close and it was last summer," said Michael Morefield, an organization spokesman.  "We made the call because just like we’re going to deal with tomorrow, the temperatures were too extreme that we needed to focus on the health and safety of our animals."

The hottest temperatures in this week’s heatwave are expected on Tuesday. Conditions should gradually cool down by early next week.