Hot weather is great for most people but for those looking after animals and wildlife in our region it just adds to the workload.

Sam Fowler, keeper at Amazona zoo in Cromer, said: 'We're doing the sweating so the animals don't have to.

'We are hosing things down, and keeping water pools topped up with cold, fresh water.

'We are using freezing fruit for the otters. Most of the animals here are from South America so they already have the anatomical features needed to cope with the heat.'

Mark Noble, operations director at Pensthorpe Natural Park, near Fakenham, said: 'We're lucky because we've got eight lakes and plenty of water. 'Birds are sensible. When they're hot they find the shade. They are always ducking and diving to cool down. And the flamingos at our lovely new wetland centre are from southern Spain so they are loving the hot weather.'