JOIN USThe sudden showers accompanied by a hailstorm notwithstanding yesterday, high temperatures in Delhi have been making life miserable for its residents - both in the zoo and those outside it too! While the humans are spoilt for choice when it comes to coolers, ACs and drinks, has anybody given a thought to their four-legged and feathered friends?
Actually, their caretakers at the National Zoological Park in Delhi have. With over 1500 plus animals, the Delhi Zoo houses over 110 species including mammals, reptiles and more than 200 species of birds.
Taking care of all these animals is one elephantine task but the authorities are trying their best. To beat the heat the animals have been provided with coolers and water sprinklers. “Coolers and fans have been placed inside animal enclosures. They are being provided to Himalayan Black Bear pair and cubs and white Siberian tigers which are from cooler climes.
Even lions and leopards have been provided with fans, coolers and sheds for a peaceful afternoon nap,” said Riaz Ahmad Khan, the curator.
Temperatures in Delhi can soar to as much as 46 degrees celsius during summer, making life really tough for these creatures. Sprinklers work round-the-clock in the enclosures to keep them animals wet and cool. For enhanced cooling, moats around animal enclosures are filled with water so they can take dips to beat the heat.
That apart, special summer diet charts which contain quantities of glucose and fibrous food have been prepared for these
animals.“The intake of food is less in summer and more in winter. We give 10 kg of beef to the tigers, which is 5-6 kilograms less than winter. Along with vitamins, we also give them electrol and glucose water to keep them hydrated. Seasonal fruits are also musts for them,” says Riaz.
Monkeys, deer and other inmates, who usually munch breads and rotis, are now getting kheer. They also love to gorge on watermelons, muskmelons and cucumbers - fruits high in water content.
As for the birds, they are being given regular doses of Ayurvedic medicines to reduce summer stress. “We have put acrobat nets for the birds, so that they don’t get exposed to direct sunlight,” added Riaz.
Snakes, which have been in hibernation, are being treated to rats and rabbits. They are also given water to cool themselves in their
enclosures.
Spread over an area of 240 acres, the Delhi Zoo houses endangered species also. The leopard cat, Indian rhinoceros, hippopotamus, blackbuck, Indian gazelle and lion-tailed macaque are among the animals housed here.
Additions such as a wolf from Jaipur and a porcupine from Chandigarh have been made. A tiger from Jaipur Zoo was also donated here and vice-versa.