Prague Zoo keepers placed up to three tonnes of ice [2] in the outdoor enclosure of polar bears Aleut and Gregor on July 30, 2026 [3].
The measure was necessary to protect the animals from a severe European summer heatwave that pushed national temperatures to near-record levels. Because polar bears are biologically adapted for Arctic climates, extreme heat poses a significant physiological risk to their health and well-being.
Staff deployed the ice on Thursday to provide a chilled environment for the two bears [3]. This intervention came as temperatures reached a near-record 41.5 °C [1], creating hazardous conditions for species not native to the region.
The cooling strategy involved spreading the ice across the outdoor area to allow the bears to lounge on and around the frozen blocks. This method helps regulate the animals' body temperatures, and provides mental stimulation during periods of environmental stress.
Prague Zoo manages various species that require specific climate controls to survive the increasing volatility of summer weather in Central Europe. The use of large quantities of ice is a standard but resource-intensive response to ensure animal welfare when temperatures spike unexpectedly.
By providing these cooling stations, the zoo aims to mitigate the risk of heatstroke and respiratory distress in Aleut and Gregor. The facility continues to monitor the bears' behavior and health as the heatwave persists across the region.
“Prague Zoo keepers placed up to three tonnes of ice in the outdoor enclosure of polar bears Aleut and Gregor.”
The necessity of deploying tonnes of ice to sustain Arctic animals in a European zoo highlights the growing challenge of managing captive wildlife amid intensifying heatwaves. As near-record temperatures become more frequent in the Czech Republic, zoological gardens must implement more aggressive and costly cooling interventions to prevent animal mortality.
