Sambalpur, March 28: In times of soaring mercury, the authorities of the wild animal conservation centre or deer park in Sambalpur have made elaborate arrangements to protect the inmates from the heat.

Straws are being placed on the roofs of the enclosures of the birds and animals. Sacks and green nets are also being used to protect the animal from the heat. The food patterns of the birds and animals have been changed.

'Watermelon, sugarcane and papaya are being served to the herbivorous animals and oral rehydration solution are being administered to the animals and birds,' said range officer of the centre, Madan Lal Sharma.

'Like us, the wild animals are also vulnerable to heat. They need special care during summer,' said Sharma. He also said the birds were more vulnerable to heat wave.

Sharma said in a couple of days they would also start sprinkling water to make the animals feel cool. The concrete floors of the enclosures will also be washed twice daily when the temperature reaches its peak.

The authority has already changed the timing for visitors' entry.

The centre is open from 8am to noon and 3pm to 7.30pm during the summer. The centre, which was established in 1980, houses around 250 birds and animals of 22 species.

'It is a major attraction in the city. The animals, birds and the beautiful surrounding attract thousands of visitors. This place should be maintained properly. I am happy to see that the zoo authorities are taking adequate steps to protect the animals,' said Sanjaya Dash,an animal lover .

'This is the only small zoo in western Odisha. Besides, this is the only well maintained recreational place in the city now,' said another visitor Biswapriaya Thakur.