China’s zoos help cool down animals as summer heat continues

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By CGTN America

Animal keepers at zoos throughout China are helping their dwellers stay cool as the summer's sweltering heat wave continues.

Keepers are using ice blocks and cold water to cool down overheated animals at one zoo in Qingdao, Shandong Province. The zoo is also serving up fresh fruits and vegetables to the animals. Sunshades have been set-up to keep the animals out of the scorching sun.

A Japanese macaque splashes water at Hefei Wildlife Park in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, July 18, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

At one zoo in southwest China's municipality of Chongqing, which is home to about 200 species of animals, temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius by Tuesday morning, prompting keepers to take emergency measures to cool down their residents.

Zookeepers have set up an air-conditioner inside the penguins’ room to cool them down. Ice bags were also thrown into the pool so the penguins could enjoy an icy bath.

Squirrel monkeys approach an ice cube at Hefei Wildlife Park in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, July 18, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

The Shanghai Zoo has followed suit by installing air conditioners inside several areas of the zoo.

Photo taken on July 18, 2017 shows two hippos chasing an ice cube at the Chongqing Zoo in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. /Xinhua Photo

A large-scale heat wave continues to grip many parts of China. Temperatures in some areas may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.