Prague Zoo gives polar bear cubs nearly three tons of ice amid heatwave

Prague Zoo is taking extraordinary measures to help its polar bear cubs beat the heatwave, delivering almost three tons of ice to their enclosure. The two young polar bears, Gregor and Aleut, received the icy treat on Thursday as temperatures soared.

This initiative is not new for the zoo. They first implemented this practice in 2024 as a pilot project, finding it particularly effective for the polar bear cubs. If the current hot weather continues, the zoo intends to provide more ice in the coming weeks, ensuring the animals remain cool and comfortable.

Fifteen staff members were involved in the two-hour operation to transport the ice into the enclosure, carefully planned for safety reasons given the bears' status as apex predators. The zoo's spokesperson, Filip Mašek, noted that while other enclosures use methods like misters, the ice has proven to be a reliable and engaging way for the polar bears to cool down, providing both physical and mental stimulation.

The polar bears, who were born 16 years ago in Nuremberg, Germany, have adapted to the European climate. However, the current heatwave, with temperatures in Prague predicted to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius, poses a significant challenge. The zoo's efforts highlight the increasing need for innovative cooling strategies for animals in captivity as global temperatures rise.

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Our polar bears received several tons of ice again today for refreshment. We first started with this in 2024, it was a kind of pilot project. Somewhere it worked more and somewhere less, but with polar bears it is a certainty. The bears really have fun with it, cool down with it, refresh themselves and it is both physical and mental stimulation for them.