Heatwave: Animals across UK keep cool in the sunshine

Image source, PA

England experienced the hottest day of the year on Wednesday, and it's not just people who are trying to keep cool.

The Met Office said a temperature of 36.7 degrees Celsius had been recorded at Heathrow Airport - the hottest UK temperature since 2006 and the hottest July day ever on record.

This made it a busy day for zoo keepers, who helped their animals to cope with the heat.

Video caption, Elephants take a dip at Chester Zoo

Image source, PA

Image caption, Meanwhile, this keeper gave reindeer in County Durham a cooling hose-down
Video caption, Rhinos take a cooling wallow

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Image caption, A Giraffe at Chessington World of Adventures Resort cooled down with his own fruity ice lolly (courtesy of Chessington World of Adventures Resort)
Video caption, Harley the sea lion keeping cool

Image source, PA

Image caption, And Chimps enjoyed ice-lollies as well, at Chester Zoo.
Video caption, Dakota the racoon takes a dip