Prague Zoo keeps polar bears cool with ice amid heatwave

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Prague Zoo in the Czech capital brought large quantities of ice into a polar bear enclosure to help animals cope as Europe faced unusually hot conditions. The outlet’s video report, published on July 30, 2026, showed twin polar bears named Aluet and Gregor entering the area and rolling in the ice provided by keepers.

The measure was presented as a practical cooling effort during a wider European heatwave. According to the report, zoo staff used tonnes of ice, turning it into both a source of relief and an enrichment activity for the bears. The footage focused on the animals’ interaction with the ice rather than on broader zoo operations or veterinary assessments.

The episode highlights a common challenge for zoos during periods of extreme heat: maintaining animal welfare for species that are not naturally adapted to high temperatures. Polar bears are associated with Arctic environments, so facilities housing them typically need cooling strategies, shaded areas, pools or other interventions when temperatures rise.

Al Jazeera’s article did not provide additional details on the duration of the heatwave, temperatures in Prague, or whether other animals at the zoo received similar cooling measures. The report fits into a broader pattern of European institutions adapting daily operations during hot spells, with animal care teams often using ice, water and altered routines to reduce heat stress risks.