They've got a pond and a pool.

And today (June 19), the pond was good for them.

First-year students at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo chose the pond on this hot day - but not to swim in.

Every other semester, students remove debris and soil from the bottom of the pond in a process called "mucking." Zoo staff said even though it's a dirty job, it's one way to beat the heat and share in a zoo tradition.

"It's a story that they'll get to tell their parents and their friends, something that they'll really remember and take away from the program when they leave," said Shawn Jacobs, assistant zoo curator.

The pond serves as a habitat for snakes, turtles, fish and birds.