The authorities of Sambalpur Deer Park that houses 333 animals of 17 species have made adequate arrangements to save them from the scorching summer with mercury at 44 Degree Celsius or above.
Air coolers for leopards and bears, watermelon and cucumbers for birds, sugarcane juice for those who want it are the precautionary arrangements now to beat the heat. At the same time, spraying of water on roof covered with straw, spraying on sidewalls, medicine from veterinary department to prevent heat-related ailments, nutritious foods to suit summer are the extra arrangements. Clean drinking water three times a day to quench thirst and even glucose water is in place according to the necessity.
"Animals here don't get a natural environment. We keep them in enclosures (khuada). Hence, we do our best to keep them cool and safe from the heat as it is sure to cause dehydration. Spraying water helps to keep the enclosures cool," said DFO (WL) of Sambalpur Ansu Prangya Das.
Even the water tanks enable bears and other animals to take comfortable baths inside, she added.
Besides, equal care is being given to visitors also. A nice park, cold drinking water, rest shed are there for them. So, there has been a steady increase in the number of visitors despite the unbearable summer, the DFO added.