Animals in Bengal Zoo given special care as heatwave grips state

Bengal is currently facing a harsh summer with temperatures soaring above normal levels. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for a heatwave in many districts of the state, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, North and South Dinajpur, with temperatures going beyond 40 degrees Celsius.

As a result, people are struggling to cope with the hot and humid weather, and animals imprisoned in cages are also suffering. To ensure the well-being of animals in the zoo, special arrangements have been made. The zoo authorities have set up temporary shelters to provide shade for animals roaming in the open. Small ponds have also been set up to provide drinking water for the animals.

The zoo authorities are taking several steps to ensure the comfort of the animals. Fresh fruits have been arranged for vegetarian animals like deer and chimpanzees, while coolers and fans have been installed in the enclosures of other animals like lions, tigers, and leopards. The animals are being bathed every hour, and seasonal fresh fruit juice and ORS are being provided to prevent sunstroke and heat exhaustion.

Furthermore, the zoo authorities have adjusted the diet of the animals to suit the changing season. Elephants are being bathed twice a day to provide them relief from the heat. Small fountains installed in the deer enclosure are providing relief to the animals.