CAPITAL’S ZOO INHABITANTS DEAL WITH SCORCHING SUMMER

Here’s how animals at the National Zoological Park, Delhi are countering the heat wave that DelhiNCR is facing, this season

Elephants Raj Laxmi and Hira take a shower, a jaguar rests under an agro net, the white tigress, Nirbhaya, soaks in cool air from the desert cooler and browantlered deer relax under a shed — this was the sight when one visited the National Zoological Park in Delhi, this summer.

Dust storms and soaring temperatures are equally difficult for zoo animals as much as they are for humans. “We’ve put up agronets, coolers and exhaust fans for animals. Sprinklers have been installed in animal enclosures, from where water is sprinkled at regular intervals. Elephants, too, are showered

regularly. We are also in the process of installing shower panels for them,” says Renu Singh, director, National Zoological Park, Delhi.

The zoo authorities say that some alterations have been made in the diet of animals. “Animals’ food changes during the summer and focus is given to their dietary requirements. The quantity of meat given to carnivores has been reduced from 12kg to 10kg. Fruits rich in water content such as mausami, melon and watermelon are also fed to them. And, electro powders are also introduced in their regime. Their water and multi-vitamins intake has been increased,” Singh adds.

For visitors heading to the Delhi Zoo, look out for facilities such as a babyfeeding room, quirky selfie points, and resting sheds at different points.

An Asiatic lion yawns after taking an afternoon nap in the National Zoological Park, Delhi

Spotted deer and browantlered deer under a shed, where sprinklers are turned on to provide them respite from the heat Left: A black swan enchants the visitors with its antics; Centre: A crow settles itself on a rhinoceros Right: Liontailed macaque

Sprinklers and fountains help keep the pelicans cool An elephant pours mud and water over itself on a hot summer afternoon

The jaguar’s enclosure is covered with agro nets, so as to keep the animal cool

Blueandyellow macaw is a sight to behold

Children love animals and this summer, a babyfeeding room is set up in the zoo so that they can enjoy an outing with their parents

Some goofiness by the visitors at the selfiepoint at Delhi Zoo

Fans and desert coolers have been installed for tigers and lions in separate enclosures to protect them from the scorching heat