With desert coolers, ponds and ice candies, Chhatbir Zoo gets summer ready
being taken by the zoo to save animals from heat.
The zoo was closed on March 16 in wake of Covid outbeak, thus giving the cubs and their mother enough time to train away from human eyes. Royal Bengal tiger Aman, father to the cubs, has had no interaction with them to date.
WATER-BASED FRUITS, GLUCON-D ON MENU
With the changing temperature, the zoo authorities have made certain changes in the diet as well as the feeding time. “Frozen fruit ‘candies’ have been introduced for bears this year to enrich their dietary experience during summer,” says zoo field director M Sudhagar.
“Papaya has been replaced with bananas and other seasonal water-based fruits, along with cabbage leaves and cucumber,” he adds.
These ice blocks are provided to each bear, every day. Water-based fruits such as watermelon have been added in the diet for monkeys and elephants. Glucon-d powder is mixed in the drinking water of all the carnivores and omnivores to prevent dehydration.
OTHER MEASURES TO KEEP ANIMALS COOL
Sudhagar says, “Special arrangements are made on a case to case basis during summer to help them cope physiologically and better upkeep.”
Desert coolers and air circulator fans are provided in the night shelters of all tigers, leopards, lions, bears.
Water ponds have been dug and cooling tubs have been kept in most of the enclosures to minimise the physiological effects of heat. Water tankers and tractors are in standby to ensure uninterrupted supply.
To keep the enclosures mosquito free, windows have been covered with mesh. Shallow muddy pools have been created in elephant and deer enclosures and deer safari for wallowing and mud bath.
Concrete water pools are also being maintained round the clock as part of summer management activities.
SPECIAL MEASURES FOR WINGED RESIDENTS
All bird cages have been covered with agro-net of 75% density and jute mats sprinkled with cool water to save birds from hot air and harsh sunlight and prevent heat stroke.
“In a special measure for the aviary, misting facilities have been added for the free flying birds to dissipate the high body heat,” adds Sudhagar.
The sprinkler/showers have been provided in pheasantry and small bird aviaries, too, to help birds spend the summer comfortably.