Kheer, coolers for Delhi Zoo inmates to beat the heat

With the death of nearly 70 spotted deers among other animals in the 2016 summers, authorities of the National Zoological Park in Delhi are gearing up for 2017 summer and are taking precautions to ensure that animals don’t die of heat-related ailments or any outbreak.

To beat the heat, the authorities will introduce fruits, sugarfree kheer and mineral supplements as a part of the diet of zoo inmates along with installation of coolers, fans and water sprinklers in cages and enclosures.

In 2016, the zoo lost nearly 50% of its spotted deer population. Post-mortem reports confirmed that quite a few died due to rabies, while the rest may have died of heat-related ailments.

“There are no dogs inside the campus. So, it may have spread by some infected mongoose,” said a zoo official. This time, however, not only have the zoo authorities vaccinated the deers they have also covered up the holes in deer enclosures where mongooses could take shelter.

“This summer is very crucial for us, as last year there was a heavy death toll. We have already drawn up the summer management plan by making some changes in the diet and taking a few measures to keep the animals cool,” said the official.

While animals such as bear, langur and chimpanzees would be fed with sugar-free kheer, the daily meat-intake of large carnivores such as lions and tigers are being reduced from 12kg a day to around 10kg a day. Breads will be replaced with rice.

The fruit-eaters, including birds and monkeys, would be given watermelons and bael as these fruits help keep the body cool and also increase the body’s water content. “Most of the animals would be given vitamin and mineral supplements and the waterholes will be filled with water mixed with oral rehydration solutions,” said the official.

Coolers, fans and water sprinklers would be used to keep the cages cool and moist. Lawn nets would be also put up to provide shade from the scorching sun.

“We have also planned to separate the deer herds in at least two enclosures so that in case of an outbreak the entire population is not affected,” said the official. Zoo keepers have also been asked to report if any herbivore suffers any injuries.

“An untreated wound in the summers could trigger several diseases. Maggots too set in early during the summer,” he added.