Kankaria Zoo makes arrangements to protect wildlife from rising heat

With the beginning of March in Ahmedabad, the mercury is crossing 40°C, while special arrangements have been made in the famous Kankaria Zoo of the city to protect wildlife from heatwaves.

 Keeping in mind the continuously increasing heat, reports suggest that a special summer management has been implemented to prevent adverse effects on the health of animals and birds. Here, high-tech devices and natural methods have been used to keep the environment inside the cages 1 to 2°C lower than the outside temperature.

Reports suggest that under the guidance of zoo superintendent Dr RK Shah, huge industrial coolers have been set up near the cages of big animals like lions, tigers, leopards and elephants. Water tanks are kept full for water-loving animals like crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and tigers so that they can cool down anytime. 

In addition, to prevent dehydration in the animals during the heat, a mixture of ORS and electrolyte powder has been added to their drinking water, which helps maintain the salt levels in their bodies, as per reports.

Additionally to provide relief from the heat, the diet of the animals has also been changed, which includes water-rich fruits like watermelon, sweet potato, and sugarcane. For the birds, a green net has been tied over the cage to protect them from direct sunlight and water is being sprayed (foggers) from time to time. 

The medical staff of the zoo is also working continuously, who closely monitor the health of each animal so that if any problem is detected, immediate treatment can be provided.