These images show zoo animals in Spain enjoying tasty ice creams and other treats to cool off in the hot weather battering southern Europe.

The video shows gorillas, tortoises, chimpanzees, lemurs and elephants enjoying tasty chilled sorbets, giant ‘popsicles’, artificial rain, or soothing mud baths in a bid to cool down in the scorching summer heat battering southern Europe.

Newsflash obtained a statement from BIOPARC Valencia on Tuesday, 2nd August, saying: “The animals at BIOPARC Valencia are enjoying refreshing ice creams, and the technical team is implementing extraordinary measures for their well-being.”

The statement also said: “The Valencian park is a large garden that offers a route under the shade of lush vegetation, with the pleasant sensation of coolness from waterfalls and water areas in the animal enclosures. The animal care staff is intensifying the summer protocol these days with special actions that include delicious chilled sorbets, giant ‘popsicles’, artificial rain, or cool mud baths for different species such as gorillas, lemurs, turtles, chimpanzees, and elephants.”

The BIOPARC explained: “The warnings from the authorities about this heatwave have also alerted the specialists at BIOPARC, who have applied the necessary measures to minimize its effects and ensure the utmost well-being of the more than 6,000 animals under their care.

“On one hand, the summer protocol has been intensified, consisting of an adapted diet with fewer calories and increased hydration.

“They also incorporate special activities that provide environmental enrichment for the animals, stimulating their natural instincts, promoting play, and allowing them to enjoy their favourite foods and treats, in this case, in the form of delicious ice creams and tasty sorbets.”

They explained that they adapt every load of treats to each particular species’ needs, saying: “According to the needs of different species, as well as those of the most sensitive animals such as the young and the elderly, formats and content are adapted.

“Frozen fruits and vegetables in huge ice blocks are a true delicacy for the elephant herd and have surprised little Makena, who will soon be turning nine months old.

“For large primates like gorillas or chimpanzees with their offspring, the animal care professionals prepare sorbets with fruit juices and pieces of food that they have to lick and extract using their intelligence and finger dexterity.

“Fierce lions or hyenas also appreciate these cold preparations, in their case, with succulent raw meat; Small carnivores like mongooses or meerkats prefer appetizing worms. Similarly, lemurs are highly attracted to ‘popsicles’ made with muesli, raisins, and fruit. Even turtles and porcupines enjoy part of their diet in the form of ice creams.”