Animals at a Lake District wildlife park are keeping their cool in the heat.
Staff at Lake District Wildlife Park, near Keswick, are treating their charges to treats like beetroot ice lollies and frozen vegetable snacks as temperatures soar.
The park’s red pandas are being given frozen grapes and the tapirs frozen watermelons to help them beat the heat.
Cooling mats and plenty of shade and water are also available for the animals.
The 24 acre park features over 100 species of wild and domestic species, including zebras, tortoises, meerkats, lemurs and mandrills.
Lucy Dunn, education and marketing co-ordinator, said: “This is what we do on hot days for our animals.
“For example, animals that come from hot climates but who have been born here are acclimatised to our weather – like Muffin, our 20-year-old tapir, who was born here.
“We make sure they all have plenty of shade and we keep an eye on them.”
Lucy added that the same rules apply for people’s pets at home.
She said: “Dogs should be walked early in the morning or late at night, not in the middle of the afternoon. Make sure they have plenty of water and shade, no excessive exercise, don’t leave them in cars.
“Cats tend to sleep a lot anyway during the day, but again, make sure they have access to water and shade.”
