Sambalpur: Authorities at the mini zoo here are taking steps to protect animals and birds from the hot weather. Officials are taking extra care to protect the caged animals as the mercury has crossed 43 degrees Celsius in western Odisha.

Most of the animals are becoming restless during day time, said a zoo official. The special attraction of the zoo is a female tiger cub named "Rani". The cub, rescued from Nayagarh forest, has been handed over to the zoo. Special cage and cooling arrangements have been made for the two-month-old cub.

"Steps have been taken to provide cold drinking water to animals. Cages have been properly covered with straws and strawboards to protect the animals from heat waves. Bird cages have been covered with green net," said zoo official Aswini Padhi.

Officials have been engaged to spray water on the floor and bathe the animals more than once in a day. They are also being given medicines to battle the heat and stay healthy.

"Despite shortage of water, maximum care is being taken of animals and birds. About 20,000 litres of water is normally required," Padhi said.

The zoo is facing shortage of water as there is no pipe water connection. Pipe connection is not possible since it is situated on a hill top. Tankers have been engaged to fetch water.

The deer park, which started in 1980 on 13.3 hectares of forest land in Brookshill, later got the status of mini zoo in 2005 with addition of varieties of animals and birds and a beautiful garden on the campus.

At present, there are 263 varieties of animals and 26 species birds in the zoo, Padhi said. Since April 1, the department has increased its entry fee from Rs 5 to Rs 10.

A beautiful garden, special lighting arrangements and a park for children have been developed inside the zoo to attract the visitors.

As the educational institutions are closed for summer vacation, rush of children and parents is seen during the evening.