A thick green cover at the Mumbai zoo at Byculla has ensured that the animals are not reeling under the heat.
The only concern, zoo officials said, is the Himalayan Black Bear. “These species are accustomed to the Himalayan region of lower temperatures. The lack of appetite and rejection of food is an indication that soaring temperatures are affecting an animal. The bear has become reluctant to eat dry food and she is being given ice creams and koolfis to maintain her appetite,” said Dr Komal Raul, veterinary officer at the zoo.
Otherwise, the zoo, Jijamata Udyaan, does not have much to worry about. Sanjay Tripathi, zoo’s director, said, “The zoo has over 3,500 trees. The BMC is providing regular water supply. This, coupled with in-house irrigation facilities, keeps the flora and the fauna hydrated, and the pools replenished. The zoo has no records of casualties from heat strokes or dehydration.”
The animals have individual pools. They usually immerse themselves in water to get rid of body heat. Elephants and hippopotamuses, who need lots of water, are regularly bathed, and care is being taken to ensure that each animal has enough water to drink.
“The temperatures at the zoo are always 5 to 10 degrees lower than that of the city, thanks to the green cover. The water bodies are being repaired for leaks while shades are being provided in open enclosures, especially for the monkeys. The diet of the animals is based on seasonal fruits rich in water content like watermelons, papayas and cucumbers,” said Dr Raul.
Zoos in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where temperatures stay above 45 degrees for days at a stretch, might have a hard time protecting the animals, but Mumbai doesn’t face such extremes, officials said. Mr Tripathi said, “Even with the Humboldt penguins arriving in August, the zoo authorities are well prepared. Indoor cooling installations will be provided for them.”
The writer is an intern with The Hindu
The animals have individual pools. The diet is based on fruits rich in
water content
