22-04-2025
Electrolytes, fruit-rich diet, air coolers for zoo animals to beat soaring mercury
Ranchi: The management of Ranchi's
Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park
has introduced a summer diet plan for all its animals from April 1 to help them beat the heat.
Zoo officials said while air-coolers and fans have been set up in enclosures which house lions, tigers, leopards and both Himalayan and Sloth bears, the modified diet plan will be in effect till July to prevent heat related ailments.
"Bears are being given fruits with high water content such as cucumber, watermelon, sweet lime, and mangoes, in addition to their regular diet of bread, bananas, and milk. The felines are being provided drinks enriched with glucon-D and electrolyte powder to prevent dehydration," Dr Om Prakash Sahu, vet at the zoo, said.
Besides the animals, birds are being fed seasonal fruits such as papaya, cucumber, apples, and bananas, along with multivitamins. Besides sprinkling water on enclosure windows, elephants are being bathed twice a day to help them beat the heat.
