In a bid to protect the animals from the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in Odisha, the authorities of the Nandankanan Zoological Park have come up with some special arrangements to keep the animals cool during the scorching summer.
Amid the heat waves, Nandankanan authorities have taken special care of animals and placed air coolers, ice slabs and proper arrangements for water sprinkling on the roofs regularly. As per consultation with doctors, the animals and birds in the zoo are provided watermelons, sugarcane and anti-heat medicines.
As per the zoo sources, the enclosures are covered with bamboo sheds. Other temporary arrangements have also been made so that the animals can take shelter and not get exposed to the rays of the sun.
Adequate water is being stocked in all the enclosures on a 24x7 basis. Special care is being taken of animals such as monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, squirrels and birds which are prone to heat wave conditions.
Arrangements have also been made for the bears to take bath in ice water. Similarly, artificial streams have been created for the birds. They are also sprinkled with water on regular basis. Food is being provided to the animals as per the special diet keeping in view the summer conditions. Animals are also provided a lot of juices and water-rich fruits on a daily basis.
Besides, as many as 14 drinking water kiosks including five cold drinking water kiosks have been set up at various places across the zoo for the tourists. As per the zoo authorities, efforts are underway to set up more drinking water kiosks inside the zoo premises.
“The most important stuff to beat the heat wave condition is anti-heat diet supplements actually. We are trying our best to provide moisture related fruits like watermelons and sugarcanes to the animals. As per the recommendations by the doctors, we are taking various steps and providing food and anti-heat medicines to the animals to help them beat severe heat wave condition. We are also ensuring 24-hour water supply in every enclosure. We are also ensuring water supply in the pools so that animals could take bath to beat the heat,” said Nandankanan Zoo Director Manoj V Nair.