IT certainly wasn't too hot to trot for these alpacas after four paddling pools were delivered to Walton Hall’s children’s zoo.

The three-year-old South American animals Topaz, Mally and Jim enjoyed a relaxing foot spa to help these furry friends cool down as temperatures continue to soar today, Thursday,

The tropical heatwave has had some unexpected consequences for the animals who have found their hooves are getting far too hot in the sunshine.

The alpacas were in desperate need of cooling off so zookeepers asked council staff if anyone could donate an old children’s paddling pools.

Staff at the Town Hall had a whip-round and bought four paddling pools instead.

Warrington Guardian:

Peter Cookson-Dean, who has worked at the zoo for 35 years, said: "They were struggling a little bit in the heat so that's why we decided to get the paddling pools for them.

"We realised they were getting hot so we brought a shearer in on June 10 to give them a shave and we hoped that would do.

"Sadly it didn't as this summer has been exceptionally hot.

"I put out a plea to Warrington Borough Council staff on the Intranet asking for anyone who had an old paddling pool in the back of their shed.

"Any donations would be placed around the zoo for the alpacas to cool down in.

"The staff all got together and bought us four paddling pools."

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure, added: “It’s great that our staff were able to pitch in to help our alpacas.

"Walton Hall has many attractions for visitors but the zoo is always a magnet for our younger guests with a great variety of interesting animals to enjoy.

"The team at the zoo are working very hard in these high temperatures as the welfare of the animals is their number one priority.”

Over the past 18 months, the alpacas have been trained to go on a walk around the park with members of the public.

For more details visit warrington.gov.uk/events/event/1411/alpaca-walks.