Delhi zoo animals get special summer treatment

Delhi's zoo authorities are taking special care of animals through a summer care management plan amid a severe heat wave in the Indian capital.

In view of the rise in maximum temperature during the day, special arrangements including water coolers and pools have been made for animals in Delhi's National Zoological Park.

Sanjeet Kumar, director of the park, said that besides water pools and the sprinkling of water, there is also a proper diet plan to take care of animals in summer. He highlighted medical care facilities that were being provided to animals inside the zoo.

Kumar said seasonal fruits are made available for primates, bears, herbivores and elephants.

"We are fully prepared with lifesaving medicines and emergency services if our animals get sick," he said, adding that not a single animal has faced any heatstroke or sickness. He also said veterinarians are available to take care of animals.

The staff of the animal section is to remain vigilant during peak hours of the day and inform the zoo hospital in case any behavioral change is noticed, according to the zoo authorities.

They are also taking care of stagnant water from all water moats and the areas are being pumped out followed by cleaning, disinfection and refilling wherever possible.

Sprinklers are made available in all carnivore enclosures including the tiger, lion, leopard, jackal, hyena, wolf, wild dog and Indian fox areas, with water coolers placed in all the holding cells and regular checking of the coolers by the day and night keepers.

The diet of carnivorous animals is also being reduced in line with summer arrangements. Adequate fruits and liquid diets to other animals are being provided.

Artificial sheds made up of bamboo and straw are set up at different locations of the enclosure to allow the deer to rest, and a minimum of three water shower slots are given to tuskers using a pressure pump, with sand molds placed in all the elephant enclosures.

Fruit ice balls are prepared every day and distributed to bears, according to the zoo, with sidewall curtains made available during the day to protect the birds from the heat. Water is also sprinkled on sidewall curtains, floors and rooftops, it said.

THE STATESMAN