ANIMALS in Tropiquaria Zoo, at Washford Cross, were helped to keep cool during last week’s heatwave with giant ice fruit lollies.

The heatwave presented major challenges for the zoo, not just in terms of the animals but also the welfare of staff and visitors.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser said: “We do, for some animals, prepare giant fruit lollies to keep them interested.

“But we are careful not to let them have more than a taste of ice, as it is not really cooling.

“If a lot of ice ends up in the tummy, a message goes to the hypothalamus in the brain that it is cold and the brain then gets the body to make more heat.

“The same can happen with humans.”

Mr Moiser said visitor numbers naturally tended to drop slightly during hot weather because some people would go to the beach instead, or, if it became too hot they would stay at home in the coolest room of their property.

He said: “The animals tend to be sensible, finding the coolest part of the cage and staying there, becoming more active at the beginning and end of the day when it is a little cooler.

“Our Pyrenean mountain dogs tend to lay on the concrete floor in the shop sleeping for most of the day - and they worked this one out themselves!”