Mumbai: The scorching heat is not only taking a toll on humans but also the birds in Mumbai. According to JC Khanna, secretary of the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, the scorching heat has affected over 1,000 birds in the last three months in the city alone.
The veterinarians stated they have witnessed 70% birds and 30% animals being affected due to heatstroke. “There is a 25% rise in the cases of birds, especially pigeons, crows and owls, getting dehydrated and felling unconsciousness,” he said.
In January alone, 286 cases of various types of birds adversely affected by the heat were recorded at the hospital, followed by 330 cases in February and 363 cases in March. Till April 19, 99 heat-affected birds were treated at the veterinary hospital.
Some other animals, including flamingos, foxes, jackals, tiger cubs and turtles have also been brought in for treatment to the hospital run by the organisation.
In the past few weeks, the hospital treated about 90 birds and animals daily. “The rise in temperature renders birds sick and unable to find food and water in the scorching heat so much so that they usually fall to the ground,” said Khanna. He added, “We are treating animals and birds with the glucose for their speedy recovery. Most dehydrated animals and birds recover after a week’s treatment at the animal hospital.”
While humans can reduce their body temperature with perspiration, animals become overheated easily due to lack of water and shelter. The animal rescuers are using various social media platforms asking people to keep a bowl of water for birds and strays, as that’s the only way to keep the creatures hydrated in the heat.
