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A polar bear cools down on a pile of ice that was brought to its enclosure on a hot and sunny day at the Prague zoo, Czech Republic, Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Video. Prague Zoo uses tonnes of ice to cool animals during heatwave

Updated:

As temperatures in Prague climbed above 34°C on Tuesday, Prague Zoo delivered 10 tonnes of ice to help its animals cope with the sweltering summer heat.

Polar bears Aleut and Gregor, more at home in the Arctic than under the Czech sun, cooled off by rolling and lounging in the ice scattered throughout their open-air enclosure.

Zoo director Miroslav Bobek said ice would likely be needed for at least ten days this summer, depending on the forecast. He said polar bears remain a particular concern during periods of extreme heat.

The zoo applies “common sense” when choosing which animals receive ice, prioritising those from colder regions and others that benefit from the cooling or simply enjoy playing in it.

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