Prague Zoo keepers used tonnes of ice to provide relief to polar bears as a heatwave struck Europe on July 30, 2026 [1].
These measures are critical for Arctic animals that are biologically adapted for freezing temperatures and cannot regulate their body heat in extreme warmth. Without intervention, such animals face severe heat stress and potential health crises during prolonged temperature spikes.
The cooling efforts specifically targeted two polar bears, Aleut and Gregor [2]. Keepers deployed large quantities of ice to ensure the animals remained cool while the region grappled with scorching heat [1].
Al Jazeera said, "Keepers at Prague Zoo used tonnes of ice to provide much relief to animals as Europe grappled with scorching heat" [1]. The use of ice serves as a primary tool for zoo staff to mimic the natural environment of the bears, creating a temperature-controlled zone that allows the animals to rest and hydrate.
The event occurred as part of a broader weather pattern affecting the continent. By providing these resources, the zoo aims to mitigate the physiological impact of the European heatwave on its most vulnerable residents [1].
“Keepers at Prague Zoo used tonnes of ice to provide much relief to animals”
The necessity of deploying tonnes of ice to maintain animal welfare highlights the increasing challenge zoos face in managing species from polar climates during intensifying European heatwaves. As extreme weather events become more frequent, zoological gardens must invest more heavily in artificial cooling infrastructure to prevent heat-related mortality in non-native species.
