Deer at the Madhusudan Nagar park in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Feb. 29: Sudden rise in temperature in the last couple of days has made lives miserable for inmates of the Madhusudan Nagar deer park here. The animals have now started to look for shelters under the shades of banyan trees inside the park.

“The park authorities have not yet taken any measures to protect the animals from the scorching heat,” said Umesh Sahu, a resident of Madhusudan Nagar.

An official of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, however, said adequate measures would be taken to protect the animals before the formal commencement of the summer. “A meeting will soon be held to discuss about the possible measures that can be taken to provide cooling effect to the deer,” said mayor Saumendra Ghose. He added that every year the corporation carried out special drives to ensure that the animals were provided with best care during the summer.

At least four temporary rest shades for the deer will be built inside the park this summer. At present, there are two permanent structures where the animals assemble for eating food and drinking water.

Water is also sprinkled on the temporary sheds made of straw that acts as a natural cooling system for the animals at the enclosure.

Madhusudan Nagar deer park was established in 1981. At present, there are 103 deer, including 40 male, 49 female and fawns inside the two-acre park that is now considered over populated.

“Special care is taken for proper diet of the animals every summer. The animals are provided with fruits with high water content to prevent dehydration,” said Siba Prasad Mishra, caretaker of the park.

Mishra said the animals were provided with fresh grass and deer feed everyday. Moreover, cucumber and watermelons will also feature in their menu during the summer.