A zoo made frozen treats for its animals as temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius in Thailand.

Zookeepers prepared chicken thigh 'popsicles' for the lioness Kanya and her cubs at the Khon Kaen Zoo on March 12.

They also prepared frozen fruits and installed water sprinklers for the other creatures to provide relief as blistering weather prevailed in the province.

Acting zoo director Tipawadee Kittikoon said Thailand usually enters the hot season in March, with temperatures skyrocketing until around May.

She said: 'Khon Kaen province is primarily filled with rocky mountains and deciduous forests. When the dry season comes, the zoo's temperature tends to be especially hot. Therefore, it is important to prepare activities to help animals find relief from the heat.'

Aside from feeding the lions frozen meat, staff also hung iced fruit lollies for the other animals. Zookeepers regularly give the animals showers as well.

Tipawadee said the zoo is currently offering half-off on its entry fee until April 10 for Thai children visiting.

Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of sweltering to intense heat in Bangkok and its surrounding areas this year. They forecast temperatures reaching 44.5 degrees Celsius in some regions during the hot season.