Slovenia zoo beats heat with ice cream

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, July 19 (UPI) -- A zoo in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana Thursday began treating bears and monkeys to ice cream to combat temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

A heat wave has swept central and southern European countries and authorities in Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary tried to help citizens to cope with temperatures that were much higher than usual for the summer months, the Serbian news agency Beta reported.

In Slovenia, veterinary authorities publicized suggestions for pet owners to make life easier for their cats and dogs, the agency said.

The Ljubljana zoo also prepared a special light diet and opened additional pools for animals.

Monkeys and bears were given special refreshments, including ice cream made of minced fruit and juice.

In Slovakia, authorities agreed public employees whose offices have no air conditioners could come to work at 6 a.m. and leave for home at noon.

Authorities in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland ordered employers to provide water and soft drinks and shower facilities for their employees.

City authorities in the Czech capital of Prague and in Hungary's Budapest sent out water trucks to cool the streets and to provide drinking water for pedestrians.