Bhubaneswar: With intense cold wave sweeping Odisha and mercury plunging to as low as 8.2 degree Celsius in Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park authorities are taking extra care to protect the inmates from the winter chill.
Paddy straws, incandescent bulbs, plywood, blankets and room heaters are being used to keep them warm. The zoo spread over an area of 425 hectares houses over 1,200 animals, reptiles and birds.
While paddy straws have been stashed inside the enclosure of rock python and incandescent bulbs fitted in those of largest poisonous snake King Cobra, plywood and room heaters have been given to the chimpanzees and blankets to Orangutans.
Iguanas also have room heaters to beat the winter blues.
“We adjust the conditions of the enclosure to ensure that Chimpanzees are not affected by the cold wave. Special dietary arrangements have also been made for the animals,” caretaker Ashok Das told ANI.
The zoo authorities have put up agro net sheds at the enclosures of the birds, squirrels, and monkeys to protect them from cold breeze, as they very susceptible to harsh weather conditions.
The feeding chambers of big cats and bears are left open at night to allow them to rest indoors. “All possible steps are being taken for the safety of the animals,” he added.
(All images courtesy: ANI/Twitter)
