Prague Zoo’s Polar Bears Devour Salmon Ice‑Cream Amid Heatwave — You Won’t Believe the Photos

Prague zoo’s creative heat relief: polar bears feast on salmon ice‑cream and three tonnes of ice

When summer temperatures soar and heatwaves become the new normal, zoos across Europe are having to innovate fast to protect their animals. At Prague Zoo, keepers have responded to an intense second wave of heat by bringing in three tonnes of ice and serving frozen treats tailored to each species. The images of polar bears rolling in snow and enjoying frozen salmon snacks are both striking and heartening — and they reveal how modern animal care blends science, compassion and a dash of theatre.

What the keepers did — practical cooling, with a twist

Faced with record‑level temperatures, the zoo implemented several measures to lower animals’ thermal stress. For the twin polar bears, Gregor and Aleut, staff provided large quantities of ice and snow blocks, creating cool micro‑habitats inside their enclosure. In addition, keepers prepared edible “ice‑lollies” filled with species‑appropriate ingredients — apples and carrots for herbivores; mackerel and salmon for carnivores like the polar bears. The zoo even turned feeding into enrichment: gorillas received their fruity frozen treats lowered on a rope, encouraging playful interaction and mental stimulation while offering relief from the heat.

Why such measures are essential — and not trivial

Animals adapted to cold climates, like polar bears, are surprisingly vulnerable to heat. Their physiology, built to conserve heat in Arctic conditions, makes them less able to dissipate excess temperature quickly. Heat stress affects appetite, behaviour and immune function, and prolonged exposure can cause serious health problems. Even species we consider more temperate, such as great apes, can suffer from elevated temperatures and humidity. Zoos, as custodians of diverse species, must therefore provide targeted cooling strategies that address physical needs and wellbeing.

Cooling is also enrichment — the psychological benefit

Beyond the physiological importance, these cooling techniques offer cognitive and behavioural benefits. For example, the practice of lowering a frozen treat on a rope for gorillas is a simple but effective enrichment tactic: it replicates problem‑solving and foraging tasks they would encounter in nature, keeps them active, reduces boredom and fosters natural behaviours. Enrichment is central to modern husbandry; it improves welfare outcomes even when the primary goal is simply to lower body temperature.

Logistics and collaboration — how zoos manage large‑scale cooling

Supplying three tonnes of ice is no small feat. It requires coordination with suppliers, transport planning, and health and safety procedures to ensure the ice and food are safe for animal consumption. Veterinary teams must monitor hydration and body temperature and adapt diets to account for altered feeding routines. At scale, zoos may partner with municipal services or private firms to source snow and ice, particularly during prolonged heatwaves.

Broader lessons — zoos as testbeds for climate adaptation

Zoos are increasingly laboratories of best practice for climate adaption. The on‑the‑ground responses developed by keepers — shade structures, chilled pools, misting systems, altered feeding schedules, and frozen diets — offer useful data on species resilience and intervention efficacy. These practices can inform conservation strategies for wild populations and help design more climate resilient habitats within zoological parks.

What this means for visitors and the public

Images of animals enjoying ice treats raise public awareness about the real impacts of extreme heat on wildlife, fostering empathy and support for conservation efforts.

Zoos often use heat events as educational moments, explaining to visitors why certain behaviours (e.g. animals appearing less active) are normal and what is being done to help.

Visiting responsibly — staying hydrated, following zoo guidance, and supporting institutions that prioritize animal welfare — helps ensure zoos can continue these protective measures.

Simple takeaways for pet owners and gardeners

Provide shaded, ventilated spaces and chilled water for pets during hot spells; frozen treats (appropriate to species) can be a safe cooling enrich ment.

Limit exercise in peak heat hours and be alert to signs of heat stress: excessive panting, lethargy, drooling or unsteady gait require immediate attention.

For community gardeners, creating shaded corridors and water sources benefits local wildlife and pollinators during heatwaves.

Ethical and practical considerations

While the imagery of polar bears enjoying salmon ice‑cream is delightful, it also highlights a sobering reality: human‑driven climate change is increasing the frequency of these events. Zoos are adapting, but such measures are emergency responses rather than long‑term solutions. The role of zoos in advocacy, species conservation and public education becomes ever more critical as they demonstrate practical welfare interventions while urging broader climate action.

Ultimately, the Prague Zoo’s initiative is a reminder that care for animals in human stewardship must evolve with the climate. Innovative, compassionate responses — from edible ice‑lollies to cooled retreats — are helping animals cope today, while researchers and keepers gather the knowledge needed to protect biodiversity tomorrow.