Zoo gibbons were treated to refreshing popsicles as temperatures soared in Thailand.

The monkeys enjoyed ice lollies made from seasonal fruits prepared by zookeepers at the Khon Kaen Zoo on March 30. Temperatures have reached 35 degrees Celsius in recent days and forecasters have warned of a hot, dry summer.

Among the animals savouring the cool treats were a young, four-month-old lar gibbon and its mum, seen licking at the black plum-flavoured ice pop in its enclosure.

Khon Kaen Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy said the lar gibbon is a protected animal under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.

He said: 'We are proud that the zoo has recently succeeded in breeding lar gibbons. This popsicle feeding was organised to support the welfare of the baby animals, due to the rising temperatures this summer.'

The lar gibbon is listed as 'endangered' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Its population is decreasing due to being hunted for food and trade. The list also cites habitat loss through infrastructure construction as another major threat to the species.