Delhi zoo authorities brace up to beat the heat

'There is also a provision of dust bath inside enclosures of many animals,” Riaz Khan, zoo curator (education), said.  Special arrangements have also been put in place for winged inmates of the zoo.

'Seasonal fruits have been included in their diet.  Enclosures will be sprinkled with water every day for temperature regulation,” said the zoo curator.  

Renovation work which is going on in the zoo has further broadened the scope for the authorities to help the animals cope with heat as new sheds are being constructed in some enclosures.

With more saplings being planted to keep zoo environs cool, the authorities are hoping to minimise cases of illness among animals and birds.

Recently, under the inter-zoo exchange programme, a pair of ostrich was brought in from Thiruvanthapuram zoo. Special arrangements are already in place for them.  

'For new (zoo) inmates, the most important aspect is providing sufficient space. For ostrich, increasing water intake is one of the most important aspects,' said Selvam.  

During summers, number of visitors increases in the National Zoological Park which currently houses 1,556 animals and birds.