'Cool initiatives' help animals beat heat

With the tempareture soaring, the staff in Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park in Pilikula have gone an extra mile to help the animals beat the heat.

“Animals including Tiger, Lion and Leopards are struggling to cope with the extreme heat. We have ensured that water is available for the animals across the zoo. Fans have been recently fitted inside the enclosure. Additionally 10 fans have been kept outside the enclosures. The arecanut and coconut fronds have been placed to provide shade in enclosures that lack any natural protective shade," Biological Park Director Jayaprakash Bhanadry told DH.

“Sprinklers have been installed outside the enclosures and water is sprayed at regular intervals. This keeps the enclosures moist and cool,” Bhandary said.

The zoo-keepers spray water using sprayers on a daily basis to ensure that the temperature inside the cage also drops. Water is sprayed on animals and birds twice or thrice a day. Initially, the animals were startled when water fell on them, he added.

"Later, they got accustomed and started enjoying the cold droplets ejected from the sprinklers," Bhandary said.

Watermelons are being given to the herbivorous in captivity. “Since deers have low degree of tolerance to the scorching sun, we feed them with watermelons frequently. To ensure that the mammals are hydrated, tubs in all the enclosures are always brimming with water,” he said.

Small animals kept in enclosures made of concrete structures have been painted with white paint. The white paint reflects the heat and ensures that the enclosures are cool. Plants near the enclosures also ensure cool breeze. Even water is sprinkled on cold-blooded reptiles like snakes (ability to keep the body cool and warm based on the outside temperature) as well.

Small water tanks installed at different locations are filled with water regularly. The Zoo is not facing water shortage as water is being lifted from River Phalguni with help of 25hp pumpsets. The water stored in four tanks is used for filling the ponds.

In addition, there are five borewells on the premises of Pilikula, covering an area of 150 acres, Bhandary said.