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Zoo animals get new facilities to beat the heat

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 22 - As the scorching weather conditions continue in the State, authorities at the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden have taken a slew of measures to enable the animals to cope with the heat.

�This year, the summer has been more scorching compared to the last few years. The animals are likely to face more difficult times. We have taken certain precautionary measures to ensure that the animals are comfortable,� said the zoo�s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tejas Mariswamy.

The zoo authorities initially identified the animals that will be affected more by the heat. �Generally, the cat species like tigers and the animals with thick fur are the most affected by the heat. Steps were taken accordingly,� the DFO said.

For tigers, shade platforms were made of bamboo sheets so that the temperature of the shelter houses is reduced. Bath pools were built and fans were installed in the shelters for tigers and lions.

For thick fur species like bears, special water showers were installed so that the animals can drench themselves whenever they feel the heat.

Besides this, for all other species, it was ensured that there are structures to provide shade.

Sufficient water mixed with ORS was given to the animals to keep them hydrated, he said.

�The veterinary doctors and animal keepers have put in a lot of effort to keep the animals comfortable,� the DFO said

The zoo is also in the process of installing a deep freezer so that frozen meat can be given to the animals.

�So far, there has been no health issue with any animal due to the heat. The management plan we have put in place seems to be working well,� zoo veterinarian Arindam Kishore said.

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