IT ISN'T just the people of South Gloucestershire that are feeling the heat today, even animals who are used to warmer climates noticed a change.
With temperatures soaring to well past 30°C, even the meerkats at the Wild Place Project in Easter Compton needed cooling off, and were lucky enough to be given some fresh ice lollies.
Despite being native to the Kalahari Desert, where temperatures can even surpass 50°C, the cute rodents spent most of the day in the shade, avoiding the harsh rays, but were quick to pounce when zookeeper Zoe Greenhill brought out the treats.
Keepers also treated the lemurs and red river hogs the to ice lollies, which were made of fruit tea and healthy treats, including sweet potato, carrots and cucumber.
The two newest additions - the six-week-old twin ring-tailed lemurs - also enjoyed their first lick of a lolly with a little encouragement from their mother, Warbie.
Nigel Simpson, operations manager at Wild Place Project, said: “Giving fruit and vegetables inside ice to our animals is a great way of helping them keep cool when temperatures soar, and to also provide them with enrichment.
“Even though many of our animals originate from countries with very hot climates, they are not always used to it here so we like to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.”
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