Hyderabad Zoo takes measures to protect animals from summer heat

With temperatures recording above the normal in March itself, large air coolers have already been installed in the lions, tigers and other carnivore enclosures. These enclosures have also been equipped with vetiver curtains and thunga grass, which are frequently watered to keep the temperature down

Hyderabad: As the day temperatures soar, the Nehru Zoological Park here is going above and beyond to ensure that its animal residents stay cool and comfortable. From large air coolers, water sprinklers, mist dispensers to tailored made diets, initiatives are taken for its inmates to beat the heat this summer.

With temperatures recording above the normal in March itself, large air coolers have already been installed in the lions, tigers and other carnivore enclosures. These enclosures have also been equipped with vetiver curtains and thunga grass, which are frequently watered to keep the temperature down.

Apart from water ponds, water sprinklers have been set up in the enclosures, creating a playful environment for the animals, particularly the carnivores. A temperature monitoring machine, which goes off if temperature records 40 degree Celsius, has been put in the carnivore’s enclosures.

As for the aviaries, the zoo has fog dispensers to help drop the temperatures. Also, air-conditioners and exhaust fans have been fixed in the nocturnal animal house and cub-rearing center. Lawns and gardens of the zoo are continuously being watered to keep the enclosure and its surrounding areas green and cool.

As for animals’ diet, cold water mixed with Glucon–D, Vitamin–C and B-complex supplements, along with seasonal fruits such as watermelons, muskmelons and citrus fruits, are being provided. This ensures necessary hydration and avoids summer stress among the zoo inmates.

“We have made elaborate summer arrangements, including installation of air coolers, water sprinklers and mist dispensers. We will also provide butter milk, which cools down the animal’s body,” said Dr. Sunil S Hiremath, Director Zoo Parks Telangana.

As a large number of people throng the zoo during the summer vacation for schools and colleges, the management is also making necessary arrangements, including constructing vetiver thatches or dry thunga thatches, at several locations to provide shade.