Ice lollies for lemurs as zoo park combats the heatwave

With temperatures still hovering around 27 degrees and above, today has been another scorching day for Britain. Whilst we humans are busy topping up our suntan and grabbing a seat in the beer garden, the animals at Drusillas have been searching for shade and trying to cool off.

Zoo Keepers have been pulling out all the stops to protect their animals from the heat by busily making sure they have access to as much water as they need, and creating extra shaded areas to keep them out of the sun.

Many of the roasting residents have received food layered ice lollies created from some of their favourite fayre.

These cooling concoctions were served up to the cheeky Lemurs in Lemurland earlier today. Their icy offerings were packed full of fresh vegetables and herbs and the troop wasted no time in tucking into the refreshing ice pops.

Zoo Keeper, Sam Kenward, said: “Animals do not perspire in the same way as humans do, so we use the ice blocks to keep them comfortable in the heat. Ultimately, the animals are after the rewards hidden within, but as they grab at and break down the ice lollies to get the food, their mouths and paws are cooled.”

“Ice lollies are a great way to keep the animals cool, but they also serve an enrichment purpose as well. Making the animals work for their food in creative ways, helps to stimulate them mentally and physically and forces them to use their instincts to look for food as they would in the wild.”

As the hot weather looks set to continue, Keepers at Drusillas Park will keep coming up with inventive ideas to help their animals cool down.

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk.