Delhi Zoo ready for summer

The Delhi Zoo has chalked out plans to provide relief to animals in the summer. Every year, the summer plans are usually implemented in March. However, with the mercury still not soaring, the summer plans can now wait till April, said zoo officials.

“With pleasant weather conditions this time, we have delayed the summer plans. There is little fear of animals falling ill with the temperature being moderate. But we have drawn the summer plans as we have to immediately provide relief if the temperature suddenly goes up,” said Riaz Ahmed Khan, Curator, Delhi Zoo.

The most important bit with summer setting in would be a change in the dietary habits of the animals. In winters, animals like lions and tigers are given 12 kg meat.

“In the summer, we have to ensure that animals are given lesser quantities. So the meat consumption would be reduced by 2 kg. A lighter meal will keep the animals healthy during the heat,” said Khan.

Cosmetic changes in the enclosures are also a must so that the animals live comfortably. Most of the enclosures, including that of chimpanzees and tigers, currently have wooden platforms. Wooden platforms help animals cope in the winter as they serve as insulators. Also, there are high voltage bulbs now.

In April, the wooden platforms and bulbs will be done away with. The beds of chaff for giraffe, zebra and deer will also be removed. These were provided as Delhi saw rain in the last few weeks.

In the birds’ enclosure, the additional layer of net provided during the winter will be removed. The sprinklers will be activated. They are the permanent fixtures in the enclosures.

Fans and coolers are undergoing maintenance.

“The coolers and fans will be installed in the first week of April. These will be installed in the cells of lions, tigers, panthers and chimpanzees, among other animals,” said Khan.