Japanese macaques at Sandanike RAVIHOUSE zoo in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, enjoy blocks of ice packed with fruits. - Photo: The Kyoto Shimbun
KYOTO, (Japan): (Bernama-The Kyoto Shimbun/Kyodo) A zoo in Kyoto Prefecture has been giving monkeys icy treats to help them cool off during the scorching summer heat.
The Kyoto Shimbun/Kyodo news agency reported that the monkeys scrambled for their favourite goodies such as apples, melons and corn packed inside ice blocks during the annual summer event on Saturday (Aug 24) at Sandanike RAVIHOUSE zoo in Fukuchiyama.
A total of 34 Japanese macaques live in one of the zoo's exhibition areas known as Sarugashima.
The zoo employees brought two blocks of ice into the exhibition area this year and shattered them on the ground to make the fruit and veggies more accessible.
The monkeys wasted no time in leaping toward the ice. Some of them savoured the slushy treats, while others simply pressed their bodies against the ice to enjoy the coolness.
"Monkeys love ice," the zoo's director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu said.
"They're nice and cool, so some of the monkeys walk around holding the pieces.
"This year is as hot as ever, so I want them to enjoy our gifts until dusk." - Bernama-The Kyoto Shimbun/Kyodo
