Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur here has begun implementing a summer management plan to provide reprieve to all animals from the sweltering summer heat.
A release issued by the director of the zoo said all animals had been provided with adequate shade and water. Water showers with sprinklers have been installed to be sprayed on herbivores, including elephants, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giraffe, and zebra. Elephants in particular have been allowed to wallow in a pond twice a day.
Thatched sheds have been provided in all the enclosures. Special dietary arrangements have been made. Carnivores were provided with frozen meat while primates and bears were given fruits frozen in ice cubes.
In the bird enclosures, gunny bags tied on the top and sides are sprayed with cool water during the day, which helped reduce the temperature within the enclosure. “Sprinkling of water has been arranged in enclosures housing ostrich, terrestrial birds, and in the walk-through aviary,” the release said.
Pointing out that the reptiles came under severe stress during the summer, the zoo has made arrangements to improve their comfort level. For instance, mud mounds and pots have been set up with multiple layers in the serpentarium to ensure differential temperatures needed by the snakes.
