Prague Zoo uses ice to cool polar bears during heatwave

Prague Zoo’s animal keepers deployed several tonnes of ice on June 30 to alleviate the stress on their collections as Europe endured an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35 °C in many regions. The rapid cooling measures, applied to enclosures ranging from big cats to primates, aimed to maintain safe ambient conditions and prevent heat‑related health issues among the zoo’s residents.

The intervention reflects a broader response by zoological institutions across the continent, which have intensified hydration protocols, increased shade structures, and adjusted feeding schedules to cope with the extreme weather. By providing immediate temperature relief, Prague Zoo seeks to safeguard animal welfare while monitoring the prolonged effects of the heat on both captive and native wildlife.