JOIN USWith the winter setting in, the Delhi Zoo has started making preparations to provide comfort to the animals here.
“We have drawn out plans to help animals cope with the dip in temperature. Currently, preparations are underway,” said Riaz Ahmed Khan, Curator, Delhi Zoo.
The Zoo authorities are installing heaters in the cages of tigers, lions and jaguars to keep them warm at night.
Besides, wooden platforms — which function as insulators — and high voltage bulbs are also being added in cages to provide more comfort to the animals.
“Heaters will ensure better regulation of temperature inside the cages. With further dip in temperature, heaters are a must for animals like lions and tigers. Wooden platforms which are typically added during winters also add to the warm ambience,” said Khan.
To protect animals from the cold, the Delhi Zoo will put nets in the open space in cages. “Windows will also be shut in cages of beer who like most other animals are vulnerable to fall sick at this time of the year,” said the curator.
Meanwhile, chimpanzees who make their “own warm beds in winter” will soon be provided with chimpanzees.
The enclosures of deer, giraffe and zebra will be supplied with beds of chaff. “Chaff usually helps keep the enclosures warm. They can rest on it like a bed and also use it as a comforter against the cold,” said Khan.
Change in diet
For the bird enclosures, however, there will only be an additional layer of net to help them cope with the biting cold.
A change in diet is what helps birds cope with the change in temperature. These birds are kept on a diet of sunflower seeds during winters which keep them warm, said Khan.
Elephants and rhinoceros will be given khichdi made in mustard oil which will again act as a buffer against the cold.