As Tampa sizzles under the scorching summer sun, everyone is looking for ways to stay cool, and that includes the diverse array of animals at ZooTampa. With Florida's famed humidity making air feel like soup, the staff are getting creative, from bubble baths to frozen delicacies, ensuring that animals don't have to sweat it out more than their human counterparts. According to a report from FOX 13 News, Kelly Trotto, an associate curator of behavioral husbandry at ZooTampa has noted, "We've already been trying to come up with creative ways to offer the animals choices with how to cool down in the summer heat."

While orangutans at the zoo have been seen engaging in snowball fights, the big cats are chilling out in a way quite literally, chowing down on blood popsicles. Trotto's words echo through the exhibits as even the clouded leopards, not known for their love of chill, are getting in on the frozen action, said Trotto reportedly told WTSP.

ZooTampa isn't stopping at icy treats — there's also an aquatic angle to their cool-down tactics. Elephants are spotted taking a dip in their very own pools, while a black bear was captured on video soaking in a bubble bath, proving that everyone loves a good spa day. As reported by WFLA News Channel 8, the zoo's Nutrition Center is also working overtime, putting together "frozen treats and activities that provide ZooTampa’s animals with welcome refreshment," a task that is keeping them as busy as a bee in a blooming garden.

Even local businesses are pitching in to help with the heat wave. Kona Ice has donated a substantial 150 pounds of shaved ice to help keep the animals cool, creating a sort of frozen wonderland. Not every animal can enjoy a bubble bath, but a jack royal tern was spotted indulging in its pond, dipping into the cool water. A sun bear savored ice blocks stuffed with watermelon, finding a sweet way to beat the heat, in the process becoming the poster child for summertime snacking at the zoo, as detailed by WFLA News Channel 8.