With temperatures rising across Europe, Hungarian zoos are working to keep visitors safe while also helping the animals they've come to see stay cool. 

From giving out frozen fish and meat popsicles to administering mud showers and long days in the pool, the country’s zookeepers are doing what they can to keep their residents comfortable.

Watching animals at Budapest Zoo being showered with water to keep cool may well evoke feelings of envy among visitors, as the country suffers the extreme heat currently hitting Europe. But it's an essential part of keeping the animals healthy. 

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"We have designed our enclosures so that our animals are comfortable," said Zoltan Hanga, spokesperson of Budapest Zoo. "They have plenty of shade and pools that help them to regulate their body temperature."

Animals from one of the coldest places on earth enjoy frozen treats to help beat the heat, with Arctic polar bears being fed frozen herring, a fish usually served to them thawed. A sprinkler system has also been installed in their enclosure, along with a pool of icy water in which the bears can swim.

‌Temperatures in Hungary have soared to 38 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue their highest heat alert this summer. 

Meanwhile, animal rights groups across the continent have called on European zoos to rethink their animal welfare policies.

"I'm sure zoos will have to reconsider which species of animals to keep," said Cecília Kajo, an animal rights attorney in Budapest. "Most animals that are not indigenous to this climate are not comfortable. Zoos need to pay more attention to those animals."

Budapest zoo keepers say they do their best to keep the animals safe and comfortable, including using air-conditioned areas when outside enclosures get too hot.

According to Hanga: "Hungary has a continental climate. In summer, we have very hot days, and we have prepared for that here in the zoo. We know what to do with our animals. Not just those native to cold climates but even tropical subtropical animals like Asian elephants."

It's not just the animals getting special attention due to the weather. The zoo has also created areas of shade and misting bars for visitors, so humans can stay safe in the heat.

5 tips for pet owners to help keep our furry friends cool:

1. Try to keep your pet on grass or at least avoid dark-colored pavement. Using dog booties can also help prevent accidental injury.

2. Give your pet access to shade and cold water while outside. 

3. Tree shade and tarpaulins are ideal for helping pets while outside because they don't obstruct airflow.

4. Sunburn is another summer pet safety risk, with dogs and cats susceptible. Those that are hairless, have white or thin coats or have light-pigmented noses and eyelids are especially at risk, so look to purchase special pet sunscreens.

5. Never leave your pet inside a parked car since temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even in the shade or with the windows down.

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