Prague Zoo Deploys Ice to Cool Animals During Record European Heatwave

Europe is experiencing an unprecedented summer heatwave, with temperatures forecast to climb to 38 °C (100.4 °F) on the day of the event. The Czech Republic recorded its hottest day ever on June 28, when thermometers reached 41.9 °C (107.4 °F). In response, Prague Zoo has been providing ice to vulnerable animals for the past two years, a measure introduced as a direct reaction to climate-change-driven extreme-heat days.

Prague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, keepers placed tons of ice cubes in the outdoor enclosure of the zoo’s two 16-year-old polar bears, Aleut and Gregor, who were born in Nuremberg, Germany. The twins immediately rolled in the icy blocks, using the material both to lower their body temperature and as environmental enrichment. The zoo’s ice program, originally scheduled for July and August, was accelerated after the early heatwave. In addition to the bears, otters, elephants, parrots and, in previous years, gorillas receiving frozen fruit, have benefited from similar ice provisions.

The IndependentPrague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

Zoo spokesperson Filip Mašek explained the dual purpose of the ice: it cools the animals while providing enrichment. “The bears cool off with it and at the same time it's an enrichment of their life in the zoo,” — zoo spokesperson He added that the unexpected early heat highlighted the need for preparedness and that the zoo will have ice ready even sooner for the following summer.

Prague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

• Ice delivered: “tons” (exact quantity not specified).

Prague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

• Forecasted peak temperature on July 30: 38 °C (100.4 °F).

Prague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

• Record national high on June 28: 41.9 °C (107.4 °F).

Prague zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice cubes as European summer heatwave hits

• Polar bears’ age: 16 years; born in Nuremberg, Germany.

The Independent

The zoo’s proactive cooling strategy illustrates how zoological institutions are adapting animal-care practices to cope with increasingly frequent and severe heat events across Europe.

The Independent