The Delhi Zoo is installing water sprinklers, desert coolers and fans to help animals beat the heat as the temperature is on the rise.
“As part of the zoo’s summer plans, water sprinklers, fans and coolers have been installed in the animal enclosures. Ponds are being filled with water. Pressure pumps are being used to bathe big animals like elephants, tigers and lions,” Riyaz Khan, a zoo curator, said.
He added the meat intake of carnivorous animals such as tigers, panthers, jaguars and lions is reduced by 1-2 kg during summer. “Altering the food plan is also a part of the summer action. For instance, seasonal fruits are given to protect the animals from infection. Climbers are included in the diet of bear and monkeys,” Khan said. Besides, the animals are given vitamin supplements and electrol powder to fight dehydration.
Nets are put up on the roofs of the enclosures to prevent them from the harmful UV rays. Wooden platforms are also removed from the enclosures.
“As part of the summer leisure activities for animals, elephants take their dust baths and rhinoceroses spend most of their time in the swimming pool during this time of the year,” the official said.
Talking about the impact of extreme weather on the breeding pattern of certain animals, Khan said the flightless Australian bird ‘Emu’ recently gave birth to six chicks after an incubation period of 50-52 days.
“Emus generally take 68 days to lay eggs in the Indian climate. But due to the heat and a weak of monsoon in the city, they took lesser time. In their native country, the incubation period is around 45 days. Interestingly, male emus do the incubation,” he said.