Tender coconut, curds, seasonal fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon, and frozen fruit ice cubes are keeping the animals at Mysuru zoo cool in the searing heat.
Chimpanzees sipping tender coconut water are a common sight at the zoo these days. Tender coconut water is a source of electrolytes and minerals and is considered a healthy beverage in summer.
Citrus fruit such as orange and sweet lemon, and bananas and grapes are also being fed to the animals. Water is showered on the giraffes through jets installed in their enclosure at least twice a day.
With the mercury rising, the zoo management is keeping a close watch on the health of the animals and birds even as it has taken a number of measures to keep their stress levels in check. Almost all the animal enclosures have a natural cover protecting them from the harsh sun. At the same time, continuous spraying from water jets is keeping the enclosures cool.
“The temperature inside the zoo is usually lower by two or three degrees because of the greenery. In summer, animals and birds will be under stress. We address this keeping the surroundings fresh and breezy and by introducing cooling food in the daily diet,” said K. Kamala, the zoo’s executive director.
Chimps are most fond of tender coconut water, which is good to keep the body hydrated. The animal keepers give them tender coconuts thrice a day in addition to seasonal fruits, which are fed to all the herbivores too, she said.
Frozen fruit ice cubes, mostly apples, were fed to Himalayan bears, Ms. Kamala said.
Besides the regular food, elephants at the zoo are being fed curds and their pools are kept brimming with water through the day. “Usually, we feed curd rice to jumbos once a day as a summer special. The elephants are given a bath almost daily,” Ms. Kamala said.
Drinking water is mixed with electrolytes to top up body salts. Measures have been taken to ensure that the ponds are at all times full. The enclosures of tigers, lions and other animals are also equipped with water sprinkler systems.
