Ranchi, Nov. 7: The officials at Birsa Munda Zoological park, Ranchi, are working hard to protect the animals from cold as the mercury has started dipping here.

A special winter care planning has already been initiated well before the peak winter season this year to keep the animals in comfort.

Various measures being taken at the park include covering of the cages, making proper arrangement of sunlight by cutting trees, installation of heaters for sensitive animals, arrangements of anti-biotics for infections, and revision of diet of the animals.

The zoo staff are covering most of the openings in cages with cloth and haystack to keep the animals warm.

The cages in the zoo too are been given an overhaul and new sheds are also being constructed to provide extra comfort for the inmates.

“The inmates which are vulnerable to cold are bear, leopard, tiger, lion, monkey and jungle cats for special heaters are being installed,” said P.K. Verma, the director of the zoo.

The officials are also providing hay and bamboo baskets with warm cloth lining to shield zoo inmates from severe cold wave.

'We are making special arrangements in 29 enclosures housing animals which are vulnerable to cold. We have also made made arrangements for hot air blowers so that animals feel warm inside their respective enclosure,” Verma added.

“Besides, the air ventilation above the enclosures is also getting covered to protect the animals from cold wave. We are covering big air space with heavy gunny bags from where there is maximum possibility for the cold wave to enter. As far as the nutritional diet of the animals is concerned, we would be changing the menu and provide beef to carnivorous animals,” added Verma.

“However, the other animals including jackal, sambhar, deer, antelopes and grass eaters do not require this type of protection. “The enclosures housing the deer and black buck already have straw sheds and does not require any further protection,” said Verma.

The heaters are being placed inside the enclosure and are run when the animals retire inside. The zoo authorities have deputed staffs for keeping a close watch on the activities of the animals.

“We are doing everything possible to save the animals from cold. Water tanks inside the cages are also filled up regularly. During the winters, the animals drink more water,” he added.