A zoo worker sprays water on an emu at Indira Gandhi Park in Rourkela. Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal

Rourkela, May 8: The zoo authorities of Indira Gandhi Park here have made special arrangements to protect animals, birds and reptiles from the scorching sun and heatwave.

An official of the zoo, which is run by the Rourkela Steel Plant, said that they had made special arrangements such as building sheds, covering enclosures with wet gunny bags, sprinkling water on the animals, providing drinking water mixed with oral rehydration salts (ORS). All these arrangements have been made so that the animals can beat the heat. The temperature here has been hovering above 42°C for the last one month.

“We have placed a cooler in the caves of bear. Besides, we provide rice mixed with milk, honey and ORS solution to them. The deer cages are also sprinkled with water to keep the animals cool,” said a veterinarian taking care of the animals in the zoo.

The zoo also houses various species of birds that include emu, pelican and a few exotic species. The caretakers said that they had been covering the cages with gunny bags and sprinkling water on them twice daily to keep them cool. Along with food, ORS solution is given to these birds. Besides, all the enclosures are checked twice everyday.

Besides, mammals and birds, there are reptiles, at the zoo. The authorities said that they had dug up holes filled up with water for these species so that whenever they feel the heat they can take a dip in the pool.

Sources said the zoo houses more than 250 animals, including the birds, mammals and reptiles. The deer park, situated a few kilometres away from the zoo, has 21 inmates. The authorities have created wallowing ponds for sambars to remain cool when the temperature is high.

“The zoo authorities have taken good care of the animals,” said Ramesh Tirkey, a local resident.