PHOTOS: Zoos help animals beat heat

Hippos eat a special summer treat at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Yonhap

SEOUL, August 08 (AJP) - As sweltering summer temperatures bear down, the challenges for zoo animals are significant.

The intense heat often leads to considerable stress, making it difficult for many species to cope. In response, zookeepers are providing cool, nourishing meals and other relief efforts to help the animals regain their energy and find comfort.

This collection of photographs offers a glimpse into the creative ways zoos are helping their residents endure the season.

호랑이 — A tiger cools off in the water at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Yonhap

코끼리 — An elephant drinks water at Uchi Park Zoo in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Yonhap

미어캣 — A meerkat enjoys a special summer treat at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Yonhap

알파카 — An alpaca cools off in a fountain at Children's Grand Park Zoo in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Yonhap

여우원숭이 — Monkeys eat fruit at Uchi Park Zoo in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Yonhap

갈색꼬리감기원숭이 — A monkey eats fruit at Uchi Park Zoo in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Yonhap

Bears eat frozen fruit at Uchi Park Zoo in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Yonhap

점박이물범 — A seal eats frozen fish at Children's Grand Park Zoo in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Yonhap

Cho Bo-hee jobo@ajupress.com