As Britain basked in the hottest May day on record, animals at zoos across the country had to find their own ways to battle the heat. At Chester Zoo, where the mercury hit a scorching 30 degrees yesterday, the Asian Elephants were hosed down by zookeepers to keep the giant animals cool.
Elephants Enjoy Cooling Showers
Adorable pictures show one female elephant enjoying a drink from the hose as she was drenched in water. Meanwhile, one of the male elephants at the zoo was spotted swimming in the enclosure's pool, making the most of the water to beat the heat.
Jaguar Takes a Dip with Watermelon Treat
Elsewhere, one of Chester Zoo's most famous residents - Inka the Jaguar - proved she is a cat that is not afraid of water. She decided to take a dip in her pool while enjoying a refreshing watermelon snack, a perfect combination for a hot day.
Rhinos Prefer Sips Over Swim
The black rhinos, however, did not go for a swim to fight the heatwave. Instead, they were given sips of water through a hose by zookeepers, ensuring they stayed hydrated without getting fully wet.
Thankfully, for the animals at the zoo, a break in high temperatures is expected to bring showers to the area, with temperatures forecast to reach 25 degrees. The zoo's creative cooling methods have provided a welcome respite for its residents during this historic heatwave.
