Home / Environment / Zoo's Heatwave Heroics: Animals Get Cool Treats
Zoo's Heatwave Heroics: Animals Get Cool Treats
22 May
Summary
- Zoo installed mist sprinklers and cooling systems for animals.
- Diets were revised to include hydrating fruits and vegetables.
- Veterinary teams are on high alert for heat stress symptoms.
Authorities at Alipore Zoo have initiated comprehensive heat-management strategies to ensure animal welfare during rising temperatures. Mist sprinklers, fans, and cooling systems are actively deployed across enclosures, with ice slabs provided for vulnerable species. Large animals like elephants are receiving frequent showers.
Dietary adjustments include a greater emphasis on water-rich foods such as watermelon and cucumber, alongside sour curd to aid hydration. Carnivores' diets have also been modified, with reduced meat portions and the use of chicken.
Veterinary teams are on high alert, conducting regular health assessments to detect signs of heat stress. Animals exhibiting discomfort receive immediate medical attention, including intravenous hydration when necessary. Uninterrupted access to fresh drinking water is maintained through frequent refilling of troughs and pools.
Efforts are also focused on shielding animals from direct sunlight using cane shades, paddy straw, and agro nets, particularly for birds like macaws and lovebirds. Additional shaded areas and regular misting of enclosures help reduce ambient temperatures for sensitive species like big cats and primates.
