Amid the intense heatwave conditions sweeping across Odisha, special arrangements have been made at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar and the Sambalpur Zoo to protect animals and birds from the scorching summer temperatures.

Zoo authorities have taken a series of measures to keep the animals cool, ranging from changes in food and drinking arrangements to modifications in enclosures. Large blocks of ice are being provided to tigers and bears, while coolers have been installed for chimpanzees. Foggers are being used to spray water on reptiles like pythons and anacondas, and elephants are being regularly showered with water to help them beat the heat.

At Nandankanan, Himalayan bears and otters were seen enjoying water pools to escape the sweltering conditions. Tigers were spotted resting under tree shade or roaming slowly inside their enclosures to avoid direct exposure to the sun. The scenes of animals indulging in water activities have also become a major attraction for visitors during the summer season.

Apart from carnivores and elephants, special care has also been taken for deer, sambars, vultures and other animals and birds. Green nets have been installed over bird enclosures, while straw and bamboo shades have been created near several animal shelters to maintain cooler surroundings.

Officials said special attention is being given to reptiles such as anacondas, Burmese pythons and iguanas, with regular water spraying inside their enclosures. Nandankanan currently houses over 4,000 animals and birds belonging to 179 species across 329 enclosures.

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“All necessary measures, including water sprinkling, are being taken at the zoo. Coolers and fans have also been installed. Besides, ice water is being supplied to lion, tiger and bear enclosures,” said Pradeep Mirase, deputy director of Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Zoo authorities are conducting health check-ups of animals twice daily and providing seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, coconut, apple, grapes and papaya to help them stay hydrated.

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Similar arrangements have also been made at the Sambalpur Zoo, where animals are being fed fruits including watermelon, banana and papaya. Extra care is being taken for leopards and bears, with ice blocks and water spraying arrangements inside their enclosures. Officials said 24-hour monitoring has been put in place to ensure the well-being of all animals during the extreme summer conditions.

“All enclosures have been covered with straw and bamboo structures to beat the heat. Water is being sprinkled from 11 am to 3 pm. Besides coolers and fans, special diets including sugarcane juice and fruit salad are being offered to the animals,” said Anshupragyan Dash, DFO, Hirakud Forest Division.