Ice slabs, fruits, glucose keep animals cool at Gujarat zoo

As the heat waves are on the rise, animals at the civic-run zoo in Vadodara are well-taken care off. They are being provided required diets and other facilities to keep them hydrated and healthy. Despite the scorching heat, there has been no reduction in visitors footfalls to the zoo.

Vadodara: In view of the sweltering heat, animals at the civic-run zoo in Vadodara district of Gujarat are being provided ice slabs and given diets rich in fruits and glucose to keep them cool and hydrated, officials informed.

As the mercury soared over 44 degree Celsius in the region, four sparrows lodged at Sayaji Baug Zoo here died due to continues heatwave in the last few days, zoo curator Pratyush Patankar told media on Monday.

To prevent such incidents, special summer sheds equipped with straws and nets have been put up to regulate the temperature of the animal enclosures, he said.

The concrete floors of the animal enclosures were being washed twice a day, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Ajay Bhadoo said.

"To prevent heat-related stress and dehydration, the herbivorous animals are being served watermelon, sugarcane, and papaya. The animals are also being administered glucose, medicines, and vitamins under supervision of veterinarians," he said.

Despite the scorching heat, hundreds of people visit the zoo daily, he added. The zoo, located in over 100 hectares area on the banks of the Vishwamitri river, is home to around 1,095 animals and some exotic species of birds with Asiatic lions being among main attractions.