Australian summer heat hits hard — even for animals.

At Monarto Safari Park, staying cool becomes part of the daily routine. Giraffes turn sprinklers into playtime, a clever eland uses its horns to lift and smash an ice block, and chimps Hope and Zola dive into icy treats.

Asian Elephant Putra Mas certainly made the most of the warmer weather, enjoying a swim and splash in one of the waterholes within the Elephant Precinct. Umfana the Rhino cooled off with his first mud wallow of the year, while the Hyenas beat the heat with water play and a giant blood ice block.

With shade, sprinklers, ice and wallows, keepers use a range of enrichment and cooling strategies to help animals stay comfortable throughout the Australian summer.

However you decide to beat the heat today, make sure you stay cool and hydrated.