Tripura zoo beats heatwave, protects animals with fruit feasts and ice blocks

Agartala (Tripura) [India], April 26 : To protect inmates from the severe heatwave conditions, authorities at Tripura's Sepahijala Zoological Park have implemented several measures, including feeding the animals seasonal fruits like watermelons and oral rehydration solutions mixture.
The seasonal fruits provided include watermelons, cucumbers, and gourds to help the animals stay hydrated and cool. In addition to providing hydrating fruits, the zoo authorities are also using ice cubes and cold-water splashes as a direct method to reduce heat stress among the animals.

These efforts are complemented by the administration of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) and other substances aimed at preventing dehydration, ensuring that the animals receive the necessary care to maintain their health during this challenging period.
Moreover, the zoo staff diligently changes water levels at various enclosures frequently to ensure fresh and cool water is always available to the animals, further aiding in their ability to cope with the heat.
Officials said that these measures are a part of their efforts to protect animals from heatwaves as the region grapples with increasingly harsh weather conditions.
"We have already prepared ourselves. In this hot summer, all the herbivores and omnivores are fed seasonal fruits like watermelons, etc. All the carnivores are provided with ice blocks in their resting areas," Dr Keshab Debnath of the zoological park said.
"Cold water is being sprinkled regularly, along with the feeding of Oral Rehydration Solutions mixture to beat the heat. Though the animals get affected in these heatwave conditions, we are making all possible efforts to maintain their comfort and safety," he added.