With Europe set to sizzle again in its second heatwave of the summer, Madrid Zoo is finding novel ways to keep its prized residents cool.

Panda ice pops are top of the menu and on Thursday panda pair Jin Xi and Zhu Yu tucked in to a big iced watermelon, bamboo leaves, apples, pumpkin, and grape treat.

"These Chinese giant pandas come from a cold climate so we help to keep them cool with air conditioned spaces and special iced foods," Eva Martinez, the zoo's veterinarian tells CGTN

'Operation Stay Cool' has started early this year in the Spanish capital as Spain braces for its second heatwave in as many weeks, with temperatures up to and beyond 40 degrees.

And it isn't just the giant pandas icing off, Dahi the Bornean orangutan, Adam the Gibbon, and even Sela the baby orangutan is holding on tight while mum scoffs some refreshing frozen fruit.

Then there's Altai and Dunai the Siberian tiger brothers tucking into fresh new summer flavor frozen blood and the sea lions who are fighting over ice cold fish and squid goodies. Yum.

Martinez outlines the other ways they keep the animals cool as Dahi smashes open an ice block with some bananas in it behind her:

“We give them some frozen fruits, tropical fruits in the case of vegetarian species or meat or fish for marine mammals, so they enjoy discovering the meat or fish inside the ice blocks.”

So are the visitors tempted to try these new fishy ices?

"No, I prefer chocolate ice cream," seven-year-old Matteo who's visiting Madrid from Canada says, and his younger sister Miranda is feeling a bit jealous:

“I want a vanilla ice cream now!”

However you do it, avoiding overheating is crucial as the European continent bakes.

“Stay hydrated, drink a lot, refresh yourself, get to shade,” continues Martinez.

Not bad advice for us human animals either with this melting hot summer ahead of us.