Animals cool off with ice lollies at Rome zoo

With temperatures soaring due to an African anticyclone, the frozen treats are being handed out to some of the animals at Rome's biopark zoo.

Federico Coccia, the president of the biopark explained whats's behind the strange decision.

“Zookeepers are giving the animals frozen snacks made from fresh fruit and vegetables, depending on the animals daily diet,” he said.

“More than simply cooling the animals down and keeping them active – the snacks enrich the animals environment and allow them to hone their food finding skills.”

But the flavours aren't like anything you might expect to find at your local ice cream parlour. The coatis were given a lolly ice made from a delicious mix of frozen pineapple, banana, honey and dates. This was then 'seasoned' with an egg and some larvae. Yummy.

But did the animals enjoy their new snacks?  

See for yourself: Rome zoo animals cooling off with ice-lollies