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In pictures: How Australians are enduring record heat

Australia has experienced a fortnight of extreme heat that has toppled records across the nation - and pushed people and animals to the limit.

News imageEPA Teenagers jump off the jetty at Glenelg beach in Adelaide during a heatwaveEPA
Adelaide reached 47.7C (117F) on Thursday - its hottest-ever temperature - prompting many to try to cool themselves at the beach.
News imageANDREW CORRELL A man waters down a kangaroo outside his houseANDREW CORRELL
Adelaide local Andrew Correll said this kangaroo turned up at his property. He poured water on it hourly as it sought shade.
News imageGetty Images A kangaroo drinking from a garden tapGetty Images
Many species around the country have struggled, with some animals becoming too hot or dehydrated to survive.
News imageGetty Images Firefighters take a break from battling a bushfire near the town of Miena in TasmaniaGetty Images
In Tasmania, fire crews have battled more than 50 bushfires fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds.
News imageGetty Images A water-bombing helicopter silhouetted on a red, smoke-filled sky next to the sunGetty Images
Several towns were told to evacuate as the blazes threatened homes. Some fires burned in areas that were accessible only from the air.
News imageGetty Images Children play in a fountain to escape the heat at the Australian Open tennis tournament in MelbourneGetty Images
Several tennis matches at the Australian Open in Melbourne were suspended, as some spectators took advantage of cooling fountains.
News imageADELAIDE ZOO Enzi the baby chimpanzee about to eat an ice cakeADELAIDE ZOO
Meanwhile, animals at Adelaide Zoo were given ice blocks and other treats to avoid heat stress.
News imageADELAIDE ZOO A panda lounges in a bubble bath at Adelaide ZooADELAIDE ZOO
Others scored regular baths, zookeepers said.
News imageGetty Images Swimmers and beachgoers at Bronte Beach in Sydney on TuesdayGetty Images
People also flocked to beaches in Sydney, although Australia's biggest city has been spared some of the worst heat.
News imageGetty Images Swimmers at Bronte Rock Pool in Sydney on TuesdayGetty Images
This January has seen Australia experience at least five of its 10 warmest days on record, meteorologists say.

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