A zoo in Kyoto Prefecture is offering monkeys iced treats to help them cool off during the scorching summer heat.
During the annual summer event on August 4 at the Sandanike RAVIHOUSE Zoo in Fukuchiyama, the monkeys fought for their favorite foods such as apples, melons and corn packed in blocks of ice.
A total of 34 Japanese macaques live in one of the zoo’s exhibition areas, called Sarugashima.
Japanese macaques at Sandanike RAVIHOUSE Zoo in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, enjoy ice blocks filled with fruit.
To make the fruits and vegetables more accessible, zoo staff this year brought two blocks of ice into the exhibit area and smashed them on the ground.
The monkeys wasted no time and immediately jumped towards the ice. Some of them enjoyed the squishy treats, while others simply pressed their bodies against the ice to enjoy the coolness.
“Monkeys love ice cream,” said zoo director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu. “It’s nice and cool, so some monkeys walk around with pieces of ice in their hands. This year it’s hotter than ever, so I want them to enjoy our gifts until dusk.”
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