With mercury levels coming down in the city, 1,500-odd inmates of the Nehru Zoological Park are taking advantage of the cosy conditions inside their tiny enclosure created by the authorities to keep them warm this winter.
The officials have not left single stone unturned to help the animals to brave the chill without much discomfort. They have installed room heaters in the enclosures, straw seats and covered the enclosures and cages with sheets of gunny bag.
“We are keeping animals warm and healthy by providing the artificial temperature in their cages,” said Nehru Zoological Park assistant director (veterinary) M.A. Hakeem.
Special care is being taken for cat family, including lions, tigers, and leopards. Their cages are covered and are under the supervision of veterinarians. Apart from providing warm atmosphere, their dietary plan too has been altered.
“During winters, we usually increase the supply of food. Primates are usually fed with eggs, cut fruits and nuts. For herbivores, we provide fresh leafs and amla for mouse deer,” he said.
Carnivores are fed with two to three kg extra meat, milk and eggs to retain energy for a longer time, while, an extra dose of jaggery is being provided to elephants to keep them warm and going.
To keep birds warm the authorities have put mercury bulbs and sheets of gunny bags around the enclosures.
As cold-blooded species like snakes and crocodiles, which won’t be able to regulate their body temperature during winters, they are given artificial heat through the paddy-grass straw cushion, mud dens, sacks and mercury bulbs, the official said.
As winter is also the breeding season for many animals. The zoo officials are expecting an increase in animal numbers by the end of this season.
