A group of zoo animals were treated to a huge influx of snow and ice in their enclosures as temperatures soared.
10 tonnes of snow and ice treats turned Arizona’s Phoenix Zoo into a winter wonderland in the height of summer to help keep the residents cool and comfortable.
Animals including tortoises, Chutti the greater one-horned rhino, Indu the Asian elephant, African painted dogs, cheetahs, leopards, tigers, primates and more were treated to chilly enclosure upgrades for the day.
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500 bags of ice were given from local company Mather Bros, Inc and, with help from utility company Salt River Project, the zoo was covered in snow to be dispersed amongst several habitats.
The event took place last week (19 July) – the hottest day of the year in Phoenix, with temperatures soaring to 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius).
A spokesperson for the zoo told What’s The Jam: “Ice treats vary per animal/species and range from frozen fish-sicles for the tiger, blood-sicles for the African painted dogs, hollowed out watermelon stuffed with meat for the leopard and hyenas.
“A 20-gallon ice treat with electrolyte flavored drink mixed with frozen fruit such as lemons, oranges, yams, eggplants and watermelon for Indu the Asian elephant.
“Orangutans received frozen electrolyte drink mix with apples, cucumbers, grapes, peanuts and more hidden inside!”
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