Jaipur:
To mold animals with intense heat, Jaipur’s Nahargarh Biological Park has made several arrangements, such as installing a desert cooler in their enclosures and including ice cream and ‘Sattu’ in their diet.
Animal diet plans have been adjusted to match the weather, with special attention to tiger and lion cubs, some of which are first experienced heat.
Senior veterinary doctor Arvind Mathur said that fruit ice cream has been introduced in animal diet. Dr. Mathur said that dull bears are being provided with ‘Sattu’ (protein-rich flour), honey and special fruit ice cream, while deer and hippopotamus are being served watermelon and cucumber.
Mercury is increasing in the city, the daytime temperature is being recorded at 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is expected to increase further in the coming days.
“Special measures have been taken to protect the animals from the ongoing heat waves. The desert coolers have been installed, and the rain guns have been deployed in the open enclosures of tigers, lions and leopards. These devices help to keep the temperature down by spraying water in the enclosures,” Dr. Mathur told.
He also said that a hippopotamus gave birth to a calf a few days ago, and additional care is being taken to ensure that the mother and the calves are comfortable.
He said, “Sambar (deer) for other animals and green nets for water ponds, sprinkler and mud ponds have been arranged. Adult animals are kept in open enclosures, while the cub is placed in the zoo area, where they are a significant attraction for visitors.”
He said, “To help regulate their body heat, they are given ice cream made of milk and fruits, which are for bears for fresh fruits, honey and sattu. Seasonal fruits like watermelon and cucumber are also part of the diet for deer, hippotamus and chital,” he said.
To protect various species of other animals, such as panthers, leopards, foxes, and deer, from heat, water spraying is installed outside their cages, while the desert cooler is placed in the enclosures of tigers and lions.
The Nahargarh Biological Park has diverse species, including Asian lions, Bengal tigers, panthers, hyinas, wolves, deer, crocodiles, dull bears, Himalaya black bears and wild boars. The park currently has 13 tigers, including seven cubs, five lions, including one cub, three leopards and five sloth bears, including two cubs.
The park, which extends up to 720 hectares and is part of the Nahargarh Sanctuary, is located on the Jaipur-Deli highway, which is about 12 km from Jaipur. It is known for its rich flora and organisms, hosting many birds and animal species.
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