A female polar bear at a zoo in western Japan got a special chance to cool off when she was given three large blocks of ice packed with food during the annual event held on Saturday.
The event is designed to stimulate the bear's appetite during the intense summer heat. The three ice blocks were carefully prepared, hiding her favorite foods inside, allowing the bear to both play and forage.
Footage shows the polar bear happily licking and gnawing at the frozen blocks, occasionally turning them with her paws to retrieve the treats within. This is part of the zoo's environmental enrichment program, which helps wild animals maintain their natural instincts even in captivity.
The activity also drew the attention of many zoo visitors, especially families with young children, during the hot summer days.
