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AssetID: 31583451

Headline: Big Cats Have Lollies

Caption: There’s nothing like a cooling ice lolly on a sunny day - and it seems it’s not just humans that enjoy the prospect of the frozen treats. Lions and tigers at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire are also determined to chill out despite the heat with the help of meat and fish-based ice lollies supplied by their caring keepers. Longleat’s Ian Turner says that, as well as helping keep the big cats cool on hot days, the 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,” he added.

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