Ice blocks for park's polar bears in hot weather

Leek is on the same latitude as polar bears' typical habitats

A wildlife park has resorted to giving its polar bears huge blocks of ice to help keep them cool as temperatures rise.

Peak Wildlife Park near Leek, Staffordshire, faces forecast temperatures of 26C (79F) on Wednesday.

Although it reached the mid 20s on Tuesday, the town is on the same latitude as polar bears' typical habitats, so they are used to the weather.

Senior bear keeper at the site Callan Edwards said fish had been added to the ice blocks.

She said: "We can give them lots of things to keep them nice and cool, so rather than just the shade, just hiding in the water and things like that, we can help them.

"Today we've given them a lot of ice blocks, we've put some fish in there.

"We sometimes put some vegetables in there, other things that they like and then we'll freeze it all into a really big block."

The park has also given ice to Arctic foxes

Arctic foxes have also had a frozen supper at the site, where conservation is important.

Park director James Butler said parks like his needed "to be here for a reason".

He added: "For us it's to make a difference, whether that be a tiny little species like a red squirrel or something [as big as] a polar bear.

"For us it's about having a meaning, not only being an enjoyable place to come for all the family, but also being somewhere that does make a difference for every animal that we've got here."

Red squirrels are among those at the site