"This is a part of our well-being program. We have lots of activities to include something different in their routine," said Marina Moraes, a biologist at the zoo.
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In this photo taken through a glass window, a black jaguar licks ice treats at the city zoo in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, on Jan. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
The ice brings cooling relief to the animals, which take their time eating it, and the feeding ritual is a novel sight for visitors. That was the case for an Argentine family that came to the zoo for the first time.
"It's fantastic because there's this terrible heat and above all it's very humid. We sweat even though there's no sun; it's different from Argentina," said lawyer Lorena López, who was with her husband and children. "I think it’s perfect for the animals to have their ice."
Many of the children seemed fascinated by the activity, and they expressed surprise when they found out the ingredients of the different flavors, which vary according to the species.
"For the primates, we offer fruit ice creams, which are sweet and more colorful," Moraes said. "The herbivores can taste kale, pumpkin and carrot."