During a severe heatwave, the Alipore Zoological Park in Kolkata has implemented various measures to safeguard its animals’ well-being.
Subhankar Sen Gupta, an IFS officer, outlined the strategies employed to mitigate the extreme temperatures’ effects. To shield the animals from direct heat, their enclosures have been covered with green sheets.
Within reptile shelters, sprinklers and fans have been installed, while night shelters housing animals such as tigers and lions are equipped with fans and coolers. Showers have been installed in elephant enclosures to help them cope with the heat.
Gupta emphasized the importance of water provision in all enclosures, stating that it is essential for animals to either bathe or drink. Additionally, ORS is regularly added to their drinking water to maintain electrolyte balance. Special provisions have been made for animals requiring cooler environments, such as black bears, sloth bears, and kangaroos, with air coolers installed in certain enclosures.
For birds and smaller animals like lemurs, sprinkler systems have been installed in their habitats to facilitate comfortable bathing. Gupta also mentioned the installation of a shower system in the elephant enclosure, complementing existing moats where elephants can bathe. These efforts aim to ensure the comfort and health of the zoo’s inhabitants during the ongoing heatwave.
Regarding seasonal adjustments, Gupta explained that blankets and heaters are provided during winter, and continuous efforts are made to purify drinking water year-round.
