With temperatures soaring to a scorching 104°F (40°C) in Kosovo, the staff at a local bear sanctuary are pulling out all the stops to keep their twenty brown bear residents comfortable. The bears are enjoying regular refills of fresh water in their pools, and their keepers are adding an element of fun by tossing fruits and vegetables into the water to encourage swimming. For a special treat, frozen fruits and vegetables, affectionately nicknamed "ice creams," are placed in the trees for the bears to discover – a game they win within seconds.

"These high temperatures are tough on the bears, especially with their thick fur," explained Taulant Hoxha, a representative from the bear sanctuary. He further noted the individualized approach they take, saying, "Each of our twenty bears has their own favorite fruits or vegetables, so we tailor the frozen treats to their preferences."

The sanctuary, managed by Four Paws International, provides a haven for these bears, all of whom were rescued from grim circumstances. Some were previously held captive by private owners, while others were exploited as restaurant attractions, confined to spaces as small as four or five square meters. Now, they roam in much larger enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat.