Prague Zoo delivered tons of ice cubes to its polar bear enclosure on Thursday as another round of high temperatures swept across Europe. The bears Aleut and Gregor entered their outdoor space and immediately began rolling through the frozen blocks. Forecasters expected readings to reach 38 degrees Celsius later that day.
Bears Take to the Frozen Treat
Aleut and Gregor wasted little time once the ice appeared. The 16-year-old twins, born in Nuremberg, Germany, have lived at the Prague facility for years and adapted to local conditions. Keepers observed them playing directly in the cubes rather than simply resting beside them. The activity provided both cooling and mental stimulation during the warm spell. The pair showed clear preference for the ice over other enrichment items on offer. Their response stood out even among animals that receive similar provisions. Zoo staff noted the bears returned to the ice beds repeatedly throughout the morning.
Early Heat Prompted Quick Action
The zoo normally schedules ice deliveries for July and August. This year the first major heat arrived in late June, when the Czech Republic recorded its highest temperature on record at 41.9 degrees Celsius. Keepers adjusted the schedule and brought the ice forward to meet the unexpected conditions. Spokesperson Filip Mašek said the early arrival caught the team by surprise. “The weather keeps surprising us,” he noted. The facility now plans to prepare supplies earlier in future seasons after the June event.
Additional Animals Receive Relief
Polar bears were not the only recipients of the ice. Keepers have extended the practice to several other species in recent years. The following animals have also benefited during previous hot periods: – Otters
– Elephants
– Parrots These provisions began two years ago as a direct response to more frequent extreme temperature days. Staff monitor each group to ensure the ice serves both cooling and enrichment purposes.
Practical Adjustments for Future Seasons
Mašek indicated the zoo learned from the June spike and will shift its ordering timeline accordingly. The goal remains to have ice ready before the hottest weeks rather than reacting after temperatures climb. The approach keeps the focus on animal welfare during periods when outdoor enclosures become challenging. The bears’ visible enjoyment of the cubes offered a clear demonstration of the method’s effectiveness. Keepers continue to refine the program based on observed animal responses and weather patterns.
