Sydney:
An Australian zoo is keeping the animals hydrated and cool with iced treats and cold showers.
Temperatures in Sydney have soared into the high 30s this week.
"It's gonna be a scorcher and is probably gonna be hot for the next few days so we've got lots of things in store," zoo manager in charge of exotic fauna Mandy Everett told reporters on Tuesday.
The African lion family was given milk-substitute ice blocks for breakfast, while the small-clawed otters were enjoying frozen fish blocks.
Other animals like Tiquie, the 250-kilogram (551-pound) Brazilian Tapir, were treated to a cool shower before taking a swim.
"Some of our animals that are usually quite shy or sort of keep to themselves a bit really come into their own with showers and they really enjoy it and get quite active," Everett said.
With the heatwave expected to continue for some more time, the animals can look forward to more such icy treats.