Animals at Berlin Zoo have been given special cooling treatments as Europe continues to experience unusually high temperatures.
Brown bears were treated to large frozen blocks filled with fish, fruit and vegetables, while elephants enjoyed water sprays and showers from zoo keepers as part of efforts to help them stay comfortable during the heatwave.
The frozen treats, known as "ice bombs," were thrown into the bears' enclosure, encouraging the animals to enter the water and search for food hidden inside the ice. Zoo officials said the activity not only helped cool the bears down but also provided mental stimulation and exercise.
Zoo spokesperson Hanja Runge explained that the frozen blocks help keep the animals active while offering relief from rising temperatures.
Nearby, elephants gathered around hoses and played under streams of water, spraying themselves and drinking as they cooled off. While elephants naturally come from hot regions of Africa and Asia, they still require access to water, shade and mud to regulate their body temperature during extreme weather conditions.
The special measures come as weather forecasters warn that temperatures across parts of Europe could continue rising over the coming days.
Berlin Zoo said it regularly adjusts animal care during warm periods, but the current heatwave has led to an increased focus on hydration, shade and enrichment activities aimed at reducing heat-related stress among the animals.
0 Comments