It’s time to cool down for animals at the city zoo and prepare for one of the busiest seasons of the year. As vacations begin in May, thousands of children with their family will visit the city zoo to learn about wild animals and be wowed by their majestic presence.
Ensuring that all the animals are equipped to beat the heat, city zoo authorities have already taken requisite measures for them. Keeping in mind that their measures do not push up the bio footprint too much, zoo authorities are using recyclable items to keep the surroundings cool and bearable.
Sharing details of the steps taken, zoo director Dr Uttam Yadav said, “Every animal is of a different nature and it is essential that we take requisite steps for them following their nature.” While some animals can adapt to increasing temperatures faster than others, some find it hard to survive in such hot climate.
Yadav shared the following steps that have been taken for helping animals beat the heat:
Lions, Cheetah & Leopard
Lions, cheetah and leopard enjoy cool weather but fear water. Therefore, sprinklers have been installed in their enclosures to keep the earth moist and weather cool. Lions tend to stay in the moist area near sprinklers. However, authorities have to ensure that sprinklers are moderated and do not create mush. Further, coolers have also been installed in their den to ensure comfortable sleep.
Deer
Most species of deer enjoy water. Therefore, sprinklers are kept on for them for a longer period of time. Sprinklers generally cool down their surroundings every hour or so, or as required. The sambar (Rusa unicolor), native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and Southeast Asia, gets a special wallowing pond as well. Sambar is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2008. It is one of the few species of deer that enjoy rolling in muddy water.
Squirrel Monkey
One of the most adored cute animals at the city is squirrel monkey. Also known as ‘New World Monkeys’, these small monkey require special care during summers. A cooler has been installed in their enclosure for keeping the temperature in check. Two squirrel monkey species are threatened: the Central American squirrel monkey and the black squirrel monkey are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Therefore, special care is taken to keep them healthy.
Tigers
Since tigers are a little different than other wild cats, they demand special treatment at the city zoo. Along with sprinklers, coolers and shades, they are given a large pond of water. During the hottest part of the day, one can enjoy the site of tigers playing in the pond and having a pool party.
Bears
All species of bears tend to be very lazy during summers. However, this is does not stop them from playing mischief with zoo authorities. To keep them cool, sprinklers were installed in the enclosure. But the mischievous bears break the line down or pull out sprinklers. To give them a cool shade, a roof prepared from agri-waste has been prepared and installed in the enclosure. Coolers have also been installed in their resting place.
Birds
Birds are sensitive to heat and it often costs them their life. To keep them away from direct sunlight, the enclosures have been covered with agri-waste and green translucent shade.
Costs Involved
To manage the costs and consumption, Yadav is using recycled water of city zoo in sprinklers. Further, time on and off are planned to ensure that the weather is kept cool, while managing electricity consumption. However, in the coming months, Yadav is prepared for their monthly electricity bill to push up by Rs 40k to Rs 50k depending upon consumption.
