Heaters for big cats, extras in diet as zoo prepares for winter

The Delhi Zoo is taking special care of its animals with a dip in temperature. The authorities are being extra cautious about animals like deer, antelope, rhinocerous and hippopotamus with the winter settling in.

“The zoo officials are taking special care of animals like hippopotamus, rhinoceros, four-horned antelope, deer with a major change in the dietary habits. The deer and the four-horned antelope are being given amla to protect them from the cold. The zoo officials are also regularly carrying out monitoring of the animals to screen them from seasonal symptoms like cold,” said Riaz Ahmed Khan, curator, Delhi Zoo.

Mustard oil is being used for cooking khichdi for elephants, said officials. This will help keep the animals warm. The monitoring of health of animals is intensified during extreme summer conditions and during winter, said officials.

“During this season, all animals are vulnerable to cold. For some animals, we are changing the diet. In other cases, we have made fresh arrangements to protect them from the cold,” said Khan.

The Zoo authorities have installed heaters in the cages of lions, jaguars and tigers. In addition, wooden platforms and high-voltage bulbs have also been added to the cages.

The diet of carnivores, especially tigers and lions, is being increased in view of the prevailing cold conditions.

They are being given 12 kg meat in place of the usual 10 kg now. The extra amount of meat is likely to help them cope with the changing weather conditions.

The open enclosures have been covered with an additional layer of net.

The Zoo has also started receiving true migratory birds in the last two weeks. This marks as the harbinger of winters with many species of migratory birds flocking to the area.

The total bird count has crossed 150. The varieties of true migratory birds which have arrived till now include mallards, coots, great cormorant and pelicans.

The main attraction of storks and Siberian cranes are yet to arrive.

The Zoo usually sees a greater turnout of visitors with the arrival of true migratory birds.