How zoos in India are protecting animals from the heatwave. Watch

An air cooler installed outside a zoo in Ahmedabad. (Photo credit: Screengrab from video tweeted by twitter.com/ANI).

Large parts of India have been experiencing extremely high temperatures with the sun beating down harshly and causing many to take protective measures from developing different illnesses.

However, it is not just human beings who need protection. Zoological parks across India are doing their best to ensure that animals are also protected from the extreme heat conditions prevailing the country.

The Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar has seen authorities use air coolers and water sprinklers inside the zoo. Additionally, ice slabs have also been kept along with bamboo sheds to protect animals from the heat.

"As per protocol, bamboo sheds and other temporary arrangements have been made so that animals can take shelter and not get exposed to the rays of the sun.

"Special care is being taken of animals such as squirrels, monkeys and birds which are prone to heat the stroke. Adequate water is being stocked in the artificial ponds for elephants to cool themselves. Elephants are being twice or thrice at water ponds in a day to beat the heat," Rashmi Ranjan Swain, Assistant Conservator of Forest Nandankanan told ANI.

Similarly, a zoo in Ahmedabad has installed coolers and sprinklers for animals to offer protection from scorching heat.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Coolers and sprinklers installed for animals at a zoo in Ahmedabad to protect them from the scorching heat. (19.04) pic.twitter.com/yt6qvVqwQ0

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2023

In Kolkata's Alipore zoo, authorities have arranged for special diets for animals to counter the dehydration, in addition to using ice blocks, bamboo sheds and water sprinklers.

"We are mixing oral rehydration solution (ORS) powder with the drinking water of animals and birds at the zoo. Ice blocks or ice cubes are also being put in tubs of some animals where they bathe," West Bengal Forest Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick told PTI.

#AliporeZoo authorities #bathing big animals and providing #iceblocks to large furry animals like bears to keep them cool during this prevailing #heatwave condition in Kolkata. Timely sprinkling of water from outside enclosures is also continuing. pic.twitter.com/wxmpSnWk41

— Tamaghna Banerjee (@tamaghnaTOI) April 20, 2023

As per officials of the West Bengal Zoo Authority, misting has been done in individual animal enclosures in the zoo. A misting system creates a dry fog which decreases the temperatures.

Additionally, the amount of green vegetables fed has also risen for herbivores along with fruits with more water content for birds, an official said.

Also Read: Hailstorms out, heatwave in: What to do about India’s climate change problem