As summer has set in and the mercury has begun to soar, the Nehru Zoological Park has come up with measures to protect animals and birds from the hot weather conditions. Apart from display enclosures, even night shelters where the animals retire for sleep, are being provided with cool environs, according to zoo officials. The enclosures of monkey, jaguar, white tiger, Royal Bengal tiger and lion have already been equipped with 25 air-coolers. The rooftops have been set with ‘thunga’ grass that keeps the interiors cool. The sides are draped with gunny bags and ‘khas khas thati’ which are watered at regular intervals.
The aviary and reptile enclosures have also been paid special attention, an official said. “We have installed foggers, i.e., sprinklers that create mist, at these enclosures which will keep the temperatures under control and offer cooler environs for the birds and reptiles,” he said. Also, all the spaces around the animal enclosures have been fixed with sprinklers that revolve 180 degrees and ensure that the soil remains wet and the grass, green. Officials said the zoo veterinary team has come out with small variations in the diet for different species in view of the summer. Seasonal fruits and those with more water content such as water melon were being provided to the animals and where required, vitamin supplements provided.
Apart from display enclosures, even night shelters where the animals retire for sleep, are being provided with cool environs
