As the summer weather rolls on in Wellington, the zoo's chimps have been treated to ice blocks to keep their bodies cool and their minds working.
The chimpanzee troop didn't waste any time getting stuck into the frozen blocks this morning, trying to dig out their favourite fruit and vegetables.
Senior keeper Harmony Wallace says staff blended vegetable and fruit juices, creating different layers and peppering in treats like yoghurt raisins and figs.
"The ice blocks are great enrichment for the chimpanzees, as it gets them thinking creatively about how they'll get to their favourite part first. They're incredibly smart animals, and were quick to start using sticks to dig out their favourite bits," she says.
The treats were part of a behavioural enrichment programme, which is important for caring for the animals.
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