KEEPERS at Longleat have been making sure their lions and tigers are staying cool on the hottest day of the year by giving them frozen treats.

Ian Turner, one of the safari park's keepers, says that as well as helping keep the big cats cool on hot days, the meat-flavoured ice-cold treats encourage them to utilise their natural hunting instincts.

“Normally we either get the lions and tigers to chase after the meals or hide it around their enclosures so they have to go hunting for it but we thought during this spell of hot weather we’d give them an ice-cold treat,” he said.

“The frozen lollies are filled with a selection of cuts of meat and fish which may not look all that appetising to us but are proving extremely popular with the big cats

“We dotted the lions’ lollies around their enclosure and the lionesses were extremely keen, the males were less interested and just watched on from the shade under the trees.

“For the tigers we placed some on the grass and some in the water as they are one of the few big cats to enjoy swimming – initially they were a little cautious but once they got to grips with them they soon disappeared.”