Kolkata: Alipore Zoo makes special arrangements for animals suffering from heatwave

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 25 : Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata is stepping up its efforts to care for animals impacted by the intensifying heat wave.
The Alipore Zoo authorities have come up with special arrangements for animals like air coolers and water sprinkling systems.

Shubhankar Sengupta, the director of Alipore Zoo told ANI, "As per the direction of authorities we make sure all arrangements for animals against heat waves and rays of the sun. Especially for bears, monkeys, chimpanzees, and birds which are prone to heat stroke. Adequate water is being stocked in ponds for elephants, Tigers and hippos."
He further said that they are also providing coolers for animals.
"We are also providing coolers for animals like bears, monkeys, chimpanzees and kangaroos.
This summer is very hard so we have arranged water sprinkles for all cages. Water is being sprayed on their cage's roofs regularly twice," Sengupta said.
Large parts of India have been experiencing heat waves with the Sun beating down harshly and causing many to take protective measures. Zoological parks across India are doing their bit to ensure that animals are also protected from the extreme heat conditions prevailing in the country.
"Elephants are being bathed twice at water ponds in a day to beat the heat. Along with it, tigers, lions, foxes and other animals have a permanent water tub inside each enclosure and also carry water sprinkling against heat waves," added Sengupta.
Kolkata's Alipore zoo authorities have arranged for special diets for animals to counter the dehydration.
Speaking about the diet being provided to the animals, the director said, "We are providing fruit and juice as food to animals as a summer special diet. Water-based fruits like watermelon and apples are provided to animals. There are approx 500 animals inside all enclosures at Alipore Zoo."