Summer is here, so are the "cool" arrangements for the inmates of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.

Fans and water coolers have been placed in enclosures to help the animals beat the heat. Extra sheds would work as sunscreen for the inmates of the biological park, popular as Patna zoo.

Zoo director S. Chandrashekhar said water coolers and fans had been installed inside the enclosures of lions, tigers, leopards and chimpanzees. He said shades had been created in various enclosures to shield the animals from the scorching sun.

"Some animals, including rhinos and crocodiles, take mud bath. We have taken measures to ensure pools inside their enclosures have enough cold water. We are placing hay in the enclosures of the animals to keep them cool. Besides, sheds are being placed over cages. We are ensuring sprinklers inside the cages of animals are on round-the-clock," said Chandrashekhar.

Veterinarians backed the move of the zoo authorities to shield the animals from the heat. "It is important to protect animals from overheating. If not taken care of in summer, they can suffer from heat stroke. Animals get dehydrated quickly. So, giving them plenty of fresh and clean water when they are in outdoors is advisable," said R. Choudhary, a veterinary doctor of the city.

The zoo director said the menu of the animals had been tweaked with the onset of summer. "We have two veterinary doctors at the zoo. On their suggestions, we have made a few changes in the diet of the animals. Watermelon, cucumber and other seasonal fruits have been added to the diet of the animals. Glucose and vitamins are also being provided to them under the supervision of the veterinary doctors. The activities of the animals are being monitored regularly," he said.

To shield the animals from seasonal infections, the cages are being disinfected.

Visitors were happy with the arrangements for the animals at the zoo. "In summer, the animals get annoyed fast because of the scorching heat. It is good that the zoo authorities have arranged coolers, fans and sheds for the animals to keep them cool," said Sangeeta Jha of Patliputra Colony.

Niharika (28) of the Boring Canal Road area echoed Jha.