Zookeepers helped animals to cool off as summer temperatures rose to 38 degrees Celsius in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand.

Staff bathed elephants, white rhinos, miniature horses, and emu birds while other animals are let into pools to cool down. A cold water pond was also made for turtles and fishing cats.

Director of Khon Kaen Zoo Narongwit Chodchoi said: ‘There has been a change in the way of feeding the animals to relieve stress caused by the heat by feeding them with frozen meat and vegetables. We also turn fruits into ice cream popsicles for lemurs, deers and sun bears.

‘The animals enjoy our special menu during the hot weather. More tourists would also be visiting the zoo to watch the wildlife cool off.’

The Meteorological Center in upper northeast Thailand reported that the temperature in Khon Kaen province may reach up to 38 and even 40 degrees Celsius.

Despite predictions of tropical thunderstorms in the province, there were none at the Khon Kaen Zoo.

The Meteorological Department said temperatures in the capital Bangkok would vary between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius, but cloud cover would help it to feel cooler.

Officials recorded the hottest ever day in Thailand on April 28, 2016, in Mae Hong Son province when the temperature reached 44.6 degrees Celsius.