As the temperature soars in Delhi, the National Zoological Park has installed water sprinklers, desert coolers and fans and also providing sugar free sweet dishes to the animals under captivity.
“Ponds are being filled with water. Pressure pumps are being used to bathe big animals like elephants, tigers and lions,” said a Delhi zoo official.
He said the meat intake of carnivorous animals likes tigers, panthers, jaguars and lions are reduced by one or two kg during summers.
“Altering the food plan is also part of the summer action. For instance, seasonal fruits are given to prevent the inmates from infection. Climber plants are included in the diet of bears and monkeys. This time we will also provide sugar-free kheer (sweet dish),” he added.
Apart from the above measures, the animals are also given vitamin supplements or electro powder to beat dehydration. Nets are used on the roofs of the enclosures to prevent them from harmful Ultra Violated (UV) rays. Wooden platforms are also removed from the enclosures.
“As part of the summer leisure activities of animals, elephants take their dust baths and rhinoceros spend most of their time in the swimming pool at this time of the year,” the official said. He added that a vaccination programme has been initiated for the inmates.