During the fierce August heatwaves on the Costa Blanca, as temperatures soar, humans retreat to the comfort of air conditioning and swimming pools. But what happens to the hundreds of animal residents at Terra Natura Benidorm, one of Spain's most innovative wildlife parks?

The answer is as delightful as it is scientific: they get their own range of giant, custom-flavoured ice creams.

This isn't just a cute photo opportunity; it's a critical part of the park's sophisticated animal welfare strategy for keeping zoo animals cool. When a heatwave strikes, the veterinary and zookeeping teams at the Benidorm zoo launch a full-scale operation to combat heat stress, encourage hydration, and provide vital mental stimulation.

This in-depth guide explores the fascinating science behind these animal-friendly ice creams, reveals the logistical effort involved, and showcases how the Terra Natura Benidorm animals, from elephants to tigers, enjoy their icy treats as part of a comprehensive plan for heatwave animal care.

The Science of Animal Ice Creams: Nutrition, Hydration & Enrichment

Creating a giant ice cream for a rhino is a careful blend of nutritional science and behavioural enrichment. Each treat is tailor-made for the species.

1. Customised Nutritional Recipes

• For Herbivores (Elephants, Rhinos): Ice blocks are made from their favourite water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, melon, and carrots, providing natural sugars and fibre.
• For Omnivores (Bears, Primates): A mix of fruits, vegetables, and sometimes a protein source like mealworms, providing a varied and engaging treat.
• For Carnivores (Tigers, Jaguars): "Blood-sicles" are a popular choice. These are frozen blocks of diluted meat broth or even whole prey items encased in ice, stimulating their natural hunting instincts.

Alt Text: An Asian elephant at Terra Natura Benidorm enjoying a giant watermelon ice cream during a heatwave.

2. The Importance of Hydration

The primary goal of these ice creams is hydration. The slow melting of a large ice block provides a steady and appealing source of fluids for animals that might otherwise not drink enough in extreme heat.

3. Vital Animal Enrichment

Beyond nutrition, the ice creams serve as a powerful form of animal enrichment, designed to stimulate animals mentally and physically.

• Problem-Solving: Animals must figure out the best way to eat the frozen treat, engaging their minds.
• Sensory Stimulation: The novel tastes, colours, and cold texture provide a rich sensory experience.
• Encouraging Natural Behaviours: Hanging the treats or freezing food inside encourages behaviours like foraging, climbing, and using their paws and teeth, preventing boredom.

Behind the Scenes: The Logistics of Keeping a Zoo Cool

Producing hundreds of giant, custom ice creams is a major operation. During a heatwave, Terra Natura's state-of-the-art animal kitchen becomes an ice cream factory, with industrial freezers working overtime.

The zookeeping staff carefully prepare the mixtures in large buckets and moulds, often freezing ropes into the blocks so they can be hung in the enclosures. These treats are then distributed during the hottest part of the day, and the animals' reactions are closely monitored to ensure the program is effective and safe for every individual.

The 2025 heatwaves were historic. Read our full report on the Spain Heatwave of August 2025: The Most Intense on Record.

More Than Ice Cream: Terra Natura's Full Heatwave Strategy

The ice creams are just the star of a comprehensive heat management plan at this unique "zooimmersion" park.

• Shade and Shelter: All enclosures are designed with ample natural and artificial shade, and animals have access to cool, well-ventilated indoor shelters.
• Water Features: Ponds, pools, and lakes are integral to many habitats, allowing animals to swim and cool off as they would in the wild.
• Misters and Mud: Elephants and rhinos enjoy powerful misters and sprinklers, while mud wallows provide a natural sunscreen and an effective way to stay cool as the mud evaporates from their skin.

Alt Text: A white rhino at Terra Natura Benidorm covered in mud in its wallow, a key method for keeping zoo animals cool.

Case Studies: How Different Animals Enjoy Their Treats

• The Elephants of the Asia Zone: These majestic giants are often seen stomping on or delicately licking huge watermelon ice blocks, a perfect supplement to their regular dips in their large pool.
• The Tigers of the Asia Zone: For these powerful carnivores, a "blood-sicle" with a frozen chicken inside provides hours of stimulating enrichment, encouraging them to use their teeth and claws to get to the prize.
• The Monkeys of the America Zone: The clever capuchin monkeys might receive smaller frozen treats with nuts and fruits inside, hung from branches to promote natural climbing and foraging behaviours.

Planning a visit? Check out the official park website for opening times and information at Terra Natura Benidorm.

Conclusion: A Sweet Solution to a Serious Challenge

The sight of the Terra Natura Benidorm animals enjoying their ice creams is a heart-warming and delightful experience. But it's also a visible symbol of a deep, science-based commitment to animal welfare in an era of climate change.

These innovative treats are a testament to the dedication of the park's staff, who work tirelessly to ensure the health and comfort of every resident. It’s a sweet solution to the serious challenge of extreme heat, demonstrating how modern zoos are adapting to protect the world's precious biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are the ice creams healthy for the animals?

A1: Yes, absolutely. Each ice cream is carefully prepared by animal nutrition experts to be a healthy part of the animal's balanced diet. They are made from natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or meat broth and are designed to provide hydration and enrichment.

Q2: What is "animal enrichment"?

A2: Animal enrichment is a key principle of modern animal care. It involves creating stimulating environments that allow animals to demonstrate their species-typical behaviours, such as foraging, problem-solving, and playing. The ice creams are a form of food-based enrichment.

Q3: How do zoos help animals in a heatwave?

A3: Zoos use a multi-faceted approach. This includes providing constant access to shade and cool water, using misters and pools, creating mud wallows, and offering special cooling foods like frozen treats. They also monitor animals closely for any signs of heat stress.

Q4: Is Terra Natura Benidorm open during a heatwave?

A4: Yes, the park remains open. There are many shaded areas, indoor exhibits, and water misting systems for visitors to stay cool. Seeing the animals interact with their special heatwave treats is a unique experience for guests.