Video. Rome zoo cools animals with icy treats as heatwave grips Italy

Brown bears, tigers and lemurs were seen licking and clawing at frozen blocks packed with fruit, meat or vegetables.

The zoo’s general curator, Yitzhak Yadid, said the treats provide both cooling relief and mental stimulation, as animals work out how to crack open the ice.

Staff at the zoo are constantly monitoring animals closely, as not all species cope with the rising temperatures in the same way.

Experts link the extreme weather to climate change.