Nandankanan Zoo authorities help animals beat winter blues

Bhubaneswar: As intense cold wave sweeps Odisha throwing normal life out of gear, even animals inside the Nandankanan Zoological Park in the outskirts of the capital city are feeling the chill. To provide the much-needed respite to the animals from the biting cold, the zoo authorities have made some special arrangements.

While paddy straws have been stashed inside the enclosure of rock python, incandescent bulb are fitted for the largest poisonous snake King Cobra. Similarly, room heaters are being provided to keep Iguanas warm.

While plywood and room heaters have been given to Chimpanzees, blankets have been provided to Orangutans.

"We adjust the conditions of the enclosure to ensure that Chimpanzees are not affected by cold waves,” caretaker of Chimpanzees, Kedar Patra, said.

Apart from that, special dietary arrangements have also been made for the animals.

The aviary species which are also very susceptible to harsh weather are also given special attention. The zoo authorities have put up agro net sheds at the enclosures of the birds and squirrel monkeys to prevent cold waves from entering their chambers.

Even as the furry animals like the big cats and bears are not so much affected by the cold conditions, the zoo officials keep an eye on them round the clock. Their feeding chambers are kept opened at night so that they can go inside in case the weather gets worse, said an official.

"All possible steps are being taken to prevent any kind of problem that can affect the lives of animals,” Ashok Das, Ranger of Nandankanan Zoo, said.

The Nandankanan zoo, located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, is spread over 425 hectares and houses over 1,200 animals, reptiles and birds.