The 1190 inmates at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ormanjhi are enjoying the gradual mercury dip this year. Credit goes to the zoo authorities who have ensured more arrangements for the animals and birds keeping in mind the space they can use within their enclosures.
like, every year, such initiatives including balanced diet are done to maintain the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). The protection facilities will continue till February end.More than 40 heaters have been kept in the cage of the carnivores. On the other side, the shed of birdcages are covered with husk wrapped in tent clothes.
The Ostrich, brought from a zoo of southern India being given special attention here. The boundary wall of the bird’s enclosure is covered with wood pieces in order to save from cold air.It is hibernation time for the snakes so their house remains closed in these low temperature months.
Zoo Veterinary Specialist Dr Ajay Kumar said they increase the concentration of energy supplements in the meal of herbivores. “The diet of carnivores includes supplementation of vitamin A, D3, E, K and B complex since it is important to maintain the BMR,” Kumar added.According to Dr Kumar, the numbers of arrangements have been comparatively increased this year. Other zoo officials pointed birds and fur animals are usually comfortable in winter season.
An officer said, “Birds are allergic to high climate temperature but very much comfortable in moving here and there during low temperature. To avoid minor health ailments we still take precautions.”Curtains are put up from winter time but are switched to cotton material during summer so that air can pass through the room reducing the humid effect.
The curtains are removed after summer.Since the resting area of herbivores is defined, zoo authorities lay straws in these resting areas so that they do not catch cold while sitting on ground.The dew drops on the ground are minimized with this sitting arrangement. For tigers, planks are provided for resting within the room.
“Observing the change in climate, sometimes hot and boiled food items are served to most of the animals. Herbivores are given orange and banana. Gud (jaggery) and Mahua are given specially to the elephants,” said a zoo staff. A range officer said, “The facility of heaters is done for the snakes too. Bonfires are managed in the enclosures of elephants by their keepers.”
Despite reducing the zoo hours due to winter, the number of visitors is considerably more in this season.Zoo gatekeepers believe it is the perfect outing time in the zoo.