KEEPERS at the Welsh mountain Zoo have found a variety of ways to keep their animals cool.
In response to the boiling weather (temperatures topped 27 degrees on Friday, July 23), the Colwyn Bay zoo introduced special measures to make sure their animals were comfortable in the heat.
The snow leopards, with their thick fur, have to keep hydrated. Keepers have been freezing their food inside chunks of ice for the animals to gnaw on.
The chimps have also had their own ice lollies. They are packed full of fruit whilst the sea lions have been munching on frozen fish.
Peter Litherland, of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “We all welcome the warm weather and most of our animals do too, however, it’s really important that they stay cool and we have to find ways to makes sure that this happens.
"The food in frozen water works particularly well and we also have sprinklers in several of the enclosures spraying cool water throughout the day.”
Additional shade has also been put in place around the grounds.
Penguins have also being enjoying cooling treats as well as the red pandas.
Who wouldn't want a dip in the pool in this heatwave? 💦🐻
— Welsh Mountain Zoo (@WelshMountainZo) July 23, 2021
Please make sure that if you're visiting us today, you are prepared to be out and about in this hot weather! 🌡️#ItsHot #LetsHaveADip #EurasianBrownBears #BeSunSafe #WelshMountainZoo pic.twitter.com/LPFdFjW23M
A Eurasian Brown Bear also took a dip in the pool.
The heatwave is expected to dissipate over the weekend and a yellow weather warning for rain has been issued.
A second UK heatwave is predicted for August.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here