As Brits swelter under a scorching heatwave — with temps shooting past 30°C in some parts — it’s not just people fighting off the sweat.
While commuters are battling stuffy Tube rides and sticky T-shirts, animals at Drusillas Park Zoo in Sussex are also trying to keep their cool, and zookeepers are getting creative to help them do just that.
Frozen Snacks to the Rescue
To beat the heat on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, the Drusillas team whipped up some rather unusual popsicles.
These weren’t your standard strawberry lollies, though — think frozen treats packed with things like peanuts, seeds, fresh herbs, and even a splash of herbal tea.
The result? Animal-friendly ice lollies designed to keep the zoo’s residents chilled and content.
Everyone Has Their Own Style
The reactions across the zoo were as varied as the animals themselves.
The meerkats enthusiastically licked their icy rewards like it was their life mission, while the macaques took a more casual, nibble-at-your-own-pace approach.
Armadillos went in with gusto, smashing their way through the frozen treats, and camels took huge, satisfied bites like they’d waited all day for dessert.
Keeping Cool with Enrichment
Zoo Section Leader Jacinta Dawe explained the science behind these chilly snacks: “Unlike us, animals don’t sweat the same way.
So we use frozen treats to help cool their mouths and paws while they work to get to the food inside.”
But it’s not just about keeping cool. These lollies double up as enrichment activities, encouraging the animals to use their brains and instincts — just like they would in the wild.
And don’t worry, the zoo doesn’t go overboard with the treats.
Everything they get is measured out from their daily food allowance.
Beyond Ice Lollies — Water Everywhere
Of course, frozen snacks aren’t the only method in play.
Sprinklers are scattered throughout the zoo so animals can run through them at will.
Keepers also hose them down at intervals to lower their body temperatures.
And then there’s the luxury treatment. For example, the lemurs absolutely thrive in the heat — they’re the zoo’s sunbathers, stretching out to soak up the rays.
But the red pandas? Not so much.
Pandas Prefer a Misting System
To keep the red pandas happy, zookeepers cool their habitats using hoses to simulate a misty, moist forest environment — which is closer to what they’d be used to in the wild.
It keeps both the temperature and humidity in check, so the pandas don’t overheat.
One Very Happy Anteater
And let’s not forget Raya, the zoo’s beloved giant anteater.
According to Dawe, Raya’s favorite way to cool off is to hop into her pool and enjoy her very own personal shower.
“She absolutely loves it,” Dawe shared. “She’ll roll around in the water, clearly thrilled.”
The shower routine isn’t just refreshing — it’s also great for her skin and coat and makes for a fun enrichment activity too.
Heat Soars Across the UK
While the animals were busy licking lollies and lounging in sprinkler mist, central London was hitting a sweltering 32.2°C — the first time the country has broken the 30°C mark in 2025. And it doesn’t stop there.
Forecasters say Thursday was just the beginning, with even hotter days ahead and a high of 34°C expected tomorrow.
Health Warnings Go Up Across England
In response, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a five-day amber alert from Thursday to Monday, warning of serious risks to the elderly and those with health conditions.
This is the first amber heat-health alert since September 2023, and it signals likely pressure on hospitals and care services, a strain on electricity supply, and reduced worker performance due to the intense heat.
The Heatwave Won’t Last Forever
The good news? This intense heat is expected to break after Saturday.
Sunday through the middle of next week will still be warm, but not brutal — with temperatures hovering around a more manageable 24°C to 26°C.
So whether you’re dodging crowds on the Tube, cranking the fan on full blast, or just dreaming of a pool, know that the animals are right there with you — except theirs comes with popsicles and hose-downs.