Zoos put on icy treats to save animals from heatwave

As temperatures rise and the effects of the heatwave became apparent, zoo managers have started taking extra precautions to keep their animals cool and safe under extreme conditions.

Animals and rare birds are kept in the Ayub National Park and the Lohi Bher Safari Park.

The Ayub National Park Zoo is planning to combat the heatwave by setting up water ponds for lions, tigers, bears, zebras, deers, wolves, birds and monkeys.

Zoo managers said that they have also decided to install air-conditioners, air-coolers and mist fans to reduce the effects of the heatwave in the tiger cage.

They said that air coolers and additional fans will also be installed in the night barracks of the animals along with ice blocks.

The process of covering cages of rare birds with pieces of green clothing has already started.

Officials said that there were 130 animals of rare species at the Ayub National Park and more than 200 birds in the Jungle World Zoo established within the park.

They said that the unexpected rise in the temperature was increasing the risk of a heatwave which may adversely affect humans as well as animals.

In such a scenario, they said that animals and birds living in natural environments adopt natural methods to keep themselves cool, but artificial methods are put in place to protect caged animals and birds from the effects of heatwaves.

They said that animals and birds were more prone to heat stroke and dehydration during heatwaves. According to the officials, the temperature was rising prematurely in Rawalpindi this time around.

Experts daily monitor the temperature and its effects on animals. Dehydrated animals are immediately saved by applying drips.

At present, the Jungle World Zoo has 46 cages and 31 night barracks where white tigers, Bengal tigers, lions, pumas, wolves, bears, monkeys, deer, ponies and other animals and 200 different types of birds including ostriches, parrots, pheasants, cranes, pelicans, peacocks, pigeons, turkeys and crown cranes are kept.

The officials said that the process of covering the cages with green clothing has been started immediately while plenty of water was being provided to the caged animals and temporary ponds were being set up.

A team of expert veterinary doctors has been appointed to tend to animals that may be affected by rising temperatures.

They said that if the temperature reaches 50 degrees this summer, air conditions will be installed in the night barracks for the rare breed animals.

With the increase in the intensity of heat, various changes occur in the habits and food of animals, keeping this in view the veterinary staff makes various changes in the animals’ diet.

Minerals will be added to their normal diet to protect them from heatwave effects, the officials said. They said that if icy snacks were not enough to keep heat stroke at bay, many zoo animals will also be given the option to hide from the heat indoors.

According to the officials, when the temperatures rise, zookeepers make sure that every animal has plenty of water and cooling treats. They said that the animals can choose to spend their time in their cool indoor dens, or under the cool shade of the trees in their outdoor paddock, or they can choose to sunbathe if they prefer.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2023.