Furry friends get cool treat to beat the heat

Kyabram Fauna Park mammal keeper Jessica Lyne said the ice blocks helped to regulate the animals’ body temperature and provided a unique way to serve up their food.

“The animals either consume the ice or they lay in the water created once the ice blocks melt,” Ms Lyne said.

“It is engaging for the animals to touch the cold food item and mentally stimulating because it prolongs how long it takes to consume their food.

“We prepare blood and meat ice blocks for the dingoes, so they will spend their time licking the ice. Whereas we freeze carrots for the kangaroos and pademelons to nibble on.”

In addition to their permanent water sources, the animals are also provided with water bodies to swim in, misting sprinkler systems and frozen water bottles in their nest boxes.