Prague Zoo keepers spread tons of ice cubes in the outdoor enclosure of polar bears Aleut and Gregor on Thursday, July 30 [1].

These measures are critical for Arctic animals residing in temperate climates during extreme weather events. Polar bears possess thick layers of fat and fur that make them highly susceptible to overheating during European heatwaves.

Staff deployed the ice to help the animals cope with a forecast temperature of 38 °C (100 °F) [1]. The ice serves a dual purpose by lowering the immediate temperature of the environment, and providing mental stimulation for the bears.

"We’re using ice cubes not just to lower the temperature but also to give the bears something to play with," Zoologist Jan Novak said [2].

Zoo staff said that the bears typically interact with the ice as a form of behavioral enrichment. By manipulating the frozen cubes, the bears engage in natural foraging and playing behaviors while simultaneously cooling their bodies.

"The bears cool off with it, and at the same time it's an enrichment of…" a zoo keeper said [3].

This cooling strategy is part of a broader effort by the Prague Zoo to manage the welfare of its animals as regional temperatures fluctuate during the summer months. The use of large quantities of ice is a standard but labor-intensive response to ensure the health of the bears during peak heat periods.

“We’re using ice cubes not just to lower the temperature but also to give the bears something to play with.”

The necessity of deploying tons of ice to maintain the health of polar bears highlights the increasing difficulty zoos face in replicating Arctic conditions during extreme heatwaves. As European temperatures reach thresholds like 38 °C, the reliance on artificial cooling and behavioral enrichment becomes essential to prevent heat stress in non-native species.