As mercury continues to dip, a slew of measures have been taken to keep the animals warm at the Bhagwan Birsa Zoological Park also known as Birsa Jaivik Udyaan. Special arrangements have been made to give the animals a warm environment along with dietary supplements to avoid any health problems in the winter months.
“With biting cold being experienced in Ranchi, various steps have been taken to protect the animals in the severe winter months. Heaters have been installed in the cages along with the windows that have been covered with jute curtains and gunny bags. As compared to any other time of the year, in winters the animals are also given more food,” said Director of Birsa Zoological Park, D. Venkateshwarlu.
Preparations for winter are generally started around the beginning of November and the arrangements are in use till about the end of January or as required. One of the most important initiatives taken is towards environmental management
“Steps are being taken to make changes in the housing system of the animals, especially those which live individually in a cell at night like lions, tigers and leopards. Wooden planks and paddy straws are spread on the floor. Electric heaters are also installed at a safe distance from the cage to keep them warm,” said Birsa Zoological Park– Veterinary doctor, Dr. Ajay Kumar.
To prevent from the cold wind in the evenings, all the windows and ventilators are covered with jute curtains and gunny bags. Apart from keeping the retiring rooms warm and cozy, changes are also made in the regular diet of the inmates.
“In winters, there is an increase in the appetite of the animals so high energy food is given which also enables them to fight the cold,” added Kumar.
For the big cats and carnivores supplements of Vitamin A, D3 and E are given. Herbivore animals which are not kept in shelter rooms identify spots near trees to keep themselves warm at night around which hay and paddy straws are spread out.
“In addition to the routine diet, herbivorous animals are given food rich in vitamin C and high carbohydrate content along with jaggery and mahua. Animals like elephants and deer are also fed sugarcane during winters. Fruits like amla and guava are also added to their food,” said the doctor.
At present the zoo houses 85 different species of animals including birds, mammals and reptiles. Currently there are about 1315 animals and birds like Black Panther, a pair of Asiatic lions, albino black buck, Himalayan black bears and sloth bears which are always a treat to watch.
