While most of us are battling the sweltering commute and desperately searching for a patch of shade, it’s not just humans struggling in this heatwave.
As temperatures in the UK hit record highs, animals across the country are feeling the heat too—and at one Sussex zoo, the keepers are getting pretty creative to help them stay cool.
At Drusillas Park, where temperatures recently climbed to a steamy 26°C, zookeepers have pulled out all the stops to make sure their furry, feathered, and four-legged residents stay safe and comfortable in the scorching sun.
Frozen Snacks and Paws-on Fun
With the mercury soaring, the team at Drusillas whipped up homemade frozen treats—think animal-friendly ice lollies packed with peanuts, seeds, fresh herbs, and even herbal teas. They’re not just snacks either.
These cooling treats are part-reward, part-entertainment, and all about helping the animals cope.
Different species had very different reactions.
Meerkats licked away with intense focus, macaques took their time, armadillos pounced with gusto, and camels didn’t hold back, chomping right into theirs.
Jacinta Dawe, a Zoo Section Leader, explained: “Animals don’t sweat like we do, so we use these treats to help cool their mouths and paws while giving them something fun and engaging. It’s more than just cooling—it’s enrichment.”
Stimulating the Mind While Cooling the Body
Beyond helping with heat relief, these frozen goodies actually play a key role in keeping the animals mentally stimulated.
By hiding food inside and making the animals work for their treats, the zoo encourages them to use their natural instincts—much like they would in the wild.
Importantly, all the food used is portioned out from their regular diet, so while it looks like a big treat day, their nutrition is still carefully monitored.
Water, Shade, and Even Sprinklers
It’s not all popsicles and fun though—zookeepers have set up shaded areas, added sprinklers, and hose down animals throughout the day to help bring down their body temperatures.
For those who prefer water, there’s always a refreshing splash zone.
Some animals, like lemurs, are actually enjoying the weather. “They love to sunbathe,” said Jacinta. “You’ll see them stretched out soaking up the rays.”
Others, like the zoo’s red pandas, aren’t such big fans. For them, keepers mist the trees and surroundings with water to simulate their natural, humid forest habitat.
The Anteater’s Private Spa Day
Then there’s Raya, the giant anteater. Not content with just a misting, Raya enjoys a full spa experience.
Keepers created a special shower for her, which she uses with great enthusiasm.
“She rolls around in the water to show her appreciation,” Jacinta said, adding that it’s not just fun—it’s great for her coat and skin too.
A Heatwave That’s Hard to Ignore
While the animals at Drusillas are getting pampered, the rest of the UK is bracing for even more heat.
Central London hit a scorching 32.2°C, marking the first official 30-degree day of the year—and it’s only expected to get hotter, with forecasts predicting up to 34°C by tomorrow.
Health Alert Across the Country
With such extreme temperatures, the Government’s UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a rare amber alert—its first since September 2023.
Running from Thursday through Monday, the alert warns of increased pressure on healthcare services, power demands exceeding capacity, and risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Previously, only a yellow heat-health alert had been in place for most of England.
That’s now been upgraded, highlighting the serious impact the heatwave could have.