As Europe bakes, Berlin Zoo’s elephants and bears cool off

No Comment Video. As Europe bakes, Berlin Zoo’s elephants and bears cool off Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 19/06/2026 - 18:14 GMT+2 Berlin Zoo uses “ice bombs” and water showers to help bears and elephants cool down as Europe faces an intense heatwave this weekend. Brown bears received large frozen treats filled with fish, fruit and vegetables, while elephants cooled off with water sprays and showers from keepers. The initiative comes as much of Europe experiences a spell of unusually hot weather, with forecasters warning that temperatures could rise further over the weekend. At the zoo, keepers threw the frozen blocks, known as "ice bombs", into the bears' enclosure, encouraging the animals to enter the water and search for food hidden inside the ice. Zoo spokesperson Hanja Runge said the treats helped keep the bears active while offering relief from the heat. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Nearby, elephants gathered around a hosepipe and played under streams of water, spraying themselves and drinking as they cooled down. Although elephants originate from hot regions in Africa and Asia, they still need access to water, shade and mud to regulate their body temperature, particularly in hot weather. Berlin Zoo regularly adapts animal care during warm periods, but the current conditions have increased the focus on hydration, shade and enrichment activities designed to reduce heat stress. Germany Berlin zoo Heatwave bear Elephants Top stories Now playing Next As Europe bakes, Berlin Zoo’s elephants and bears cool off Now playing Next New Russian strikes hit Kharkiv and Odesa, killing one and injuring children Now playing Next Lebanon air raids kill 18 as residents flee southern villages Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 19th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Kuala Lumpur summit explores how faith can empower the youth In partnership with Muslim World League Now playing Next Uzbekistan celebrates first World Cup goal despite defeat to Colombia Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 19th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next 'All of Lebanon must burn,' Israeli minister says Now playing Next Timelapse video shows ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz since reopening Now playing Next The world's longest non-stop flight is set for take off in 2027 Now playing Next EU of six, not 27, is needed to 'stay relevant' - Bruno Le Maire Now playing Next EU leaders debate Ukraine as Costa opens Kremlin channel Now playing Next At the Web3 Summit, a growing movement wants to reclaim the internet for the people Now playing Next Airbus at Vivatech: How quantum sensing and AI can transform flying Now playing Next Matisse and Yves Saint Laurent come together in "Beauty, Fashion and Happiness" exhibition Now playing Next Game changer sweets: the Bavarian start-up making sustainable ‘chocolate’ from sunflowers ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Celebrations as Mexico becomes first nation to reach World Cup knockout stage No Comment Macron and Modi tour Indian pavilion at France's VivaTech No Comment Humanoid robots and smart homes put AI centre stage at VivaTech 2026 in Paris No Comment Lebanon: Tyre residents return to homes shattered by strikes Tech News Capgemini AI chief: Humans and AI don’t have the right chemistry — yet Europe Today Cypriot minister vows to keep 'building' on EU accession momentum Europe Today US-Iran deal is 'very fragile' as conflict 'remains', says analyst Design From Pompeii to Évora: Invisible solar panels for heritage sites Culture news Obama Presidential Centre opens with star-studded ceremony and veiled jabs at Trump Europe News Russian drones hit two foreign-flagged civilian ships in the Black Sea, Ukraine says Europe in Motion Europe looks at banning social media for teens, and girls are most impacted Brussels, My Love? Podcast | Ten years on, Brexit ghosts still linger ADVERTISEMENT Business Tashkent turns 120 investor proposals into economic reform roadmap Israel 'All of Lebanon must burn,' Israeli minister says after IDF reports four soldiers killed Europe News Andy Burnham wins key UK by-election, setting up Labour leadership battle with Starmer Europe Today EU leaders debate Ukraine as Costa opens diplomatic channel with Kremlin Sport Mexico secures ticket to knockout stages as Canada breeze past Qatar with ruthless 6-0 win Iran Timelapse video shows ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz since reopening Europe News Costa defends surprise decision to open diplomatic channel with Russia 12 minutes with An EU of six, not 27, best way to 'reinforce Europe', Bruno Le Maire tells Euronews ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT