Burning Mot in Australia

An unusual heat wave has hit the southeastern part of Australia, with weather forecasters warning of record temperatures before the weekend.

The past four days were among the 10 hottest ones ever recorded, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in certain areas.

In such conditions, animals are also facing problems at zoos in the country. Sea lions feed on frozen fish, elephants do not come out of the water, and giraffes only drink icewater. Thus, animals at Sydney Zoo are trying to withstand the heat.

They're doing well. They swim hard, every morning and afternoon, to soften the heat. It's very nice to see them”, said Tim Bennett, keeper of elephants.

But these animals are still privileged. In other parts of the country, drought and heat are saving no one and nothing. Over a million fish have died along rivers, with authorities working to install several airships in streams to preserve oxygen levels needed for fish.