WASHINGTON — It's hot outside, but humans aren't the only ones trying to keep cool. Animals at The Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute are in need of a cool place to stay, escaping the soaring temperatures.
Employees and volunteers at the National Zoo are working to ensure the safety of their animals.
According to the National Zoo, most of the animals that can go outside are given a choice year round of going outside, or staying in their indoor exhibit. The National Zoo said that most indoor exhibits are air-conditioned in the summer, and heated in the winter.
The National Zoo said the giant pandas have "air-conditioned and radiant water-chilled grottos." The pandas don't like the heat, so the National Zoo said they mainly stay inside on hot days.
Many of the animals often get frutsicles as enrichment. They usually contain frozen diluted fruit juice with cut-up pieces of fresh fruit in them. Gorillas, elephants and other bears enjoy the fruit treats -- not just the giant pandas.
Lions also get frozen bloodsicles.
The National Zoo said fruitsicles aren't just a summertime treat though. The animals get them year-out.
Many of the animals also have the option of swimming in their outdoor pools -- including Andean bears, pandas, lions, tigers and otters, the National Zoo said.
But just like the animals, visitors of the National Zoo should stay safe in the heat.
RELATED: Dangerous heat expected in DC could cause power outages, here's how to prevent this from happening
Visitors have a number of options for staying cool. Below's a list of things visitors can do to beat the heat while enjoying the animals:
