How Mysuru zoo is keeping its animals cool in the searing heat

Water being sprayed inside an enclosure at Mysuru zoo to keep the surroundings cool.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A gorilla eating a fruit ice candy inside its enclosure at Mysuru zoo.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A rhinoceros beating the heat in a pond at its enclosure in Mysuru zoo.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Water ice candy made of fruits like watermelon are being fed to animals at Mysuru zoo this summer.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

To help animals stay cool during hot summer, the Mysuru zoo has taken up several initiatives that are aimed at mitigating heat stress among the animals and ensuring their well-being.

Water jets and sprinklers, across all animal enclosures, have been activated and they offer immediate relief by providing a cooling effect and help in maintaining optimum temperature levels.

Special attention has been given to certain animals, such as the Great Apes. They receive fresh tender coconuts twice daily. The installation of fans and coolers in their night cells have helped create more comfortable conditions, said Zoo Executive Director Rangaswamy.

Dietary adjustments

Additionally, dietary adjustments are being made, including the integration of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, musk melon and cucumber in feeds. These are being provided to support hydration among primates.

Chimpanzees, fond of tender coconut water, that is known to help with hydration, are being given a good amount of tender coconuts by the zookeepers.

Other animals, like the Himalayan Black Bears, are getting ice blocks to help them cool down. Frozen fruit ice cubes, made mostly with apples, were being fed to the bears.

Maintaining temperature

For the herbivores, the zoo has made mud wallows to play and stay cool.

In addition, thermometers are being used to monitor temperatures inside the enclosures that have shaded resting areas. These measures aim to safeguard the well-being of the zoo animals amidst challenges of rising temperature, ensuring continued health and comfort of the diverse collection of animals at the zoo, a note said here.

Water resources

Measures have also been taken to ensure that ponds are full at all times. The enclosures of tigers, lions and other animals are also equipped with water sprinkler systems.

With the mercury rising, the zoo management is keeping a close watch on the health of the animals and birds. Continuous spraying from water jets is keeping the enclosures cool. Almost all the animal enclosures have a natural cover protecting them from the harsh sun.