TONNES OF ICE FOR POLAR BEARS AT PRAGUE ZOO

PRAGUE, JULY 30 /SRNA/ – Keepers at Prague Zoo used tonnes of ice to provide much-needed relief for animals during the intense heat.

Polar bears Aleut and Gregor rolled around on beds of ice cubes after entering their outdoor enclosure. The twin bears appeared to enjoy the icy treat designed to keep them cool as temperatures climbed to 38 degrees Celsius. The polar bears, born in Nuremberg, Germany, 16 years ago and adapted to the European climate, seemed to enjoy the cooling measures the most, the Associated Press reported. Otters, elephants and parrots also benefited from the ice provided to help them cope with the heat. Some animals at the zoo are accustomed to hot weather, while others were able to stay in the shade or inside their enclosures and cool off in various pools. In previous years, the gorillas were given blocks of ice containing frozen fruit. The zoo began providing ice to some of its animals two years ago in response to climate change and the growing number of days with extremely high temperatures. This year, the zoo had planned to order ice for the animals in July and August, traditionally the hottest months of the year, but the first heatwave arrived earlier than expected.