TAMPA, Fla. — Sometimes, even the animals built for heat can't bear the Florida humidity.
ZooTampa shared creative ways its staff is keeping the animals — the big cats, orangutans and the rest — cool this summer.
Summertime activities have been added to the animals' daily enrichment programs to give them the option to cool down from the sun. That includes snowball playtime for orangutans, blood popsicles for clouded leopards and watermelon ice blocks for the sun bear, according to a news release.
The zoo received a shaved ice donation of 150 lbs. from Kona Ice of Old Seminole Tampa, allowing the Zoo's Nutrition Center to create frozen treats and cold activities for the animals.
The activities are not just to keep the animals cool, though. They provide them with engaging choices to beat the heat to keep them stimulated, the zoo said.
Zookeepers also integrated activities such as sprinklers, pools and mud wallows. Daytime access to air-conditioned night houses allows the animals to cool down behind the scenes, as well.
Take a look at how some of the animals are staying cool in this summertime heat below. You'll see Ubi and Munah, the zoo's Malayan tapirs, in a cold pool, orangutans having snowball fights, and Campbell, the zoo's black bear, enjoying ice fish.
Gronk, the Indian rhino, also takes a nice shower:
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Aside from the animals, ZooTampa also offers cooling activities for children and families.
The zoo has an in-water stingray experience, a children's splash pad, ice cream and air-conditioned family rooms. It also has a three-story plunge water ride, featuring a splash zone for those who don't want the adrenaline rush.
ZooTampa also advises all visitors to come earlier in the morning when the temperatures are low and the animals are at their most active, according to its website.
To see these animals cooling off and more, tickets for ZooTampa are available online.