The menu at Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park (JNB) in Bokaro Steel City has taken an organic turn with the start of winter season.
The authorities are trying everything from laying bed made of grass to jute curtains and complete change in diet to arranging heaters for a selected few to keep the birds and animals warm.
The diet chart of the carnivores animals has changed to keep their body warmer and stronger to fight diseases of the winter. Milk and eggs along with meat are made available for them to retain energy for a longer period, a zoo authority informed.
Tiger, lions, spotted dear, leopard spotted deer, sambhar, black buck, hippopotamus, hyena, monkeys, peacock, civets, reptiles and dozens of varieties of beautiful birds are at the park. Most inmates including birds and rabbits are provided with curtains made of jute for warmth and cozy nests. Heaters would also be fixed close to the cages of birds. They are getting meals three times a day in winter. Their food includes chopped spinach, wheat chappatis and fresh seasonal fruits, he said.
“Special care has been given to the birds as for most of them, winter is their mating season,” said Dr G Chakarborty (veterinary doctor of the zoo).
Meanwhile, the authorities have also planned bonfires to keep the animals warm with the further dip in the temperature. Also for water animals and birds, including ducks, flamingos, crocodiles and gharials, they are given sumptuous meals of fresh fish which is rich in proteins and fats so as to beat the chill.
The Zoo (JNB) is maintained by Bokaro steel plant, is the a right place where one can come and study a lot about nature, plants and animals within two hours of visit.s