Hyderabad: Special Winter Arrangements for Animals at Nehru Zoological Park
To protect the animals at Nehru Zoological Park from the cold weather, zoo officials have put in place special winter arrangements. They are also keeping a close watch on the health of the animals to ensure their well-being during the colder months.
The zoo, located near the Mir Alam Tank and surrounded by greenery, tends to experience lower temperatures compared to other parts of the city. To keep the animals warm, caretakers have installed room heaters in the night shelters of big cats like leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, tigers, and lions. Similar arrangements have been made for primates like baboons and chimpanzees.
Zoo authorities have taken several steps to help animals cope with the cold and prevent health issues. For instance, night shelters are being insulated with green cloth and gunny bags to block out cold air. Monkeys, such as Squirrel and Golden-handed tamarins, are being given wooden planks and dry paddy straw inside their shelters, along with room heaters for warmth.
Birds are being protected by covering their cages with green cloth and providing nest boxes. Reptiles are being kept warm with the use of dry leaves, light bulbs, small pots, and dens to shield them from chilly winds. At the mouse deer breeding center, animal shelters have been covered with green cloth, while dry paddy straw is placed in each night house to ensure warmth.
In nocturnal animal houses, air-conditioning has been turned off for three months, from November to mid-February. Wooden planks are being provided in all carnivore night shelters to prevent foot cramps caused by the cold.
Additionally, animals and birds are being given B-Complex supplements to help them manage winter stress. Their diet now includes seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost their health during the colder months.
“The caretakers are closely monitoring the health of the animals and ensuring their safety under the supervision of our veterinary doctors,” said J. Vasantha, the zoo curator.
These thoughtful measures aim to keep the animals safe and comfortable throughout the winter season.
