AS THE extreme weather sees temperatures soar across North Wales and the rest of the UK, residents of the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay are enjoying lots of special treats to help keep them cool.

As temperatures rise, the zoo has introduced a number of ways to make sure animals are comfortable in the heat, considering specific needs, natural habitats, feeding habits and much more.

The sea lions are munching on frozen fish ice lollies, as well as other animals such as the otters and tigers, who also have their own ice-based treats to keep them cool.

The bears and penguins are also enjoying a dip in their pools and sprinklers have been put out in many enclosures.

Additional shade is also being introduced for the animals during this spell of warm weather.

North Wales Pioneer: Casper with a fishy frozen ice lolly. Photo: WMZCasper with a fishy frozen ice lolly. Photo: WMZ

North Wales Pioneer: Otters with their seafood ice block. Photo: WMZOtters with their seafood ice block. Photo: WMZ

North Wales Pioneer: Penguins' sprinklers. Photo: WMZPenguins' sprinklers. Photo: WMZ

North Wales Pioneer: Penguins with fishy ice blocks. Photo: WMZPenguins with fishy ice blocks. Photo: WMZ

Peter Litherland of the Welsh Mountain Zoo said: “It’s not summer without a bit of warm weather, which we look forward to - including our animals.

“However, it’s really important that they stay cool in the heat.

“Food prepared in frozen water works particularly well and we also have sprinklers in several of the enclosures spraying cool water throughout the day.”