Bhubaneswar, Feb. 29: The Nandankanan zoo authorities are yet to take any measures to shield animals from the ongoing heat wave-like conditions here. The capital today recorded a temperature of 34.6° Celsius.

Though the zoo authorities have erected iron structures for construction of shades at various enclosures, they are yet to be covered with straw. Similarly, many water supply points to the enclosures are also lying defunct. Tigers and other animals are sleeping under trees to save themselves from the scorching heat.

With the temperature hovering near the 40°Celsius mark for almost a week, the zoo authorities need to take special care of the animals. The zoo houses 1,741 animals, including 690 mammals, 856 birds and 195 reptiles.

Measures that are usually taken to shield the zoo animals from heat every year include providing cold water, straw thatching over the roofs of the enclosures and sprinkling water. Elaborate arrangements are also made for regular health check-ups.

“During the past one week, the animals have not come out of their enclosures because of the heat wave. Some of them have also showed reluctance to eat meals. Though the temperature has risen considerably, no precautionary measure has been taken so far,” said a member of the zoo.

Though air coolers have been set up in several enclosures, they are yet to be made operational. Reptiles kept in glass kraals are most vulnerable since heat remains trapped inside the glasshouse, making its interior hotter than the outside. However, these are also yet to be covered with straw thatching.

Last year, the authorities had taken measures such as providing watermelon, green mango, sugarcane and papaya along with antidepressants to prevent dehydration and other heat-related stress among the animals.

Officials said oral rehydration solution, ice and glucose were also added with the drinking water of the animals to keep the animals cool last year.

“We never expected February to be so hot. So, we hardly found any time to make arrangements this year. We have already procured straw for covering the rooftops of the enclosures, which would be done by next week,” said zoo deputy director Shib Narayan Mohapatra, adding that no animal or bird had fallen sick because of the heat so far.

Secretary of People for Animals J.B. Dash said animals were as vulnerable to heat as human beings.

“Chances of heat stroke among animals cannot be ruled out during the summer. The authorities need to take proper measures such as sprinkling of water and construction of resting shades,” said Dash.

Visitors at the zoo are also having a tough time, as most of the drinking water points have been lying defunct. A water cooler to provide cold water has been lying non-operational for long.

Also, most of the benches, which are placed under the shade of trees in the zoo, are yet to be renovated.

“It is very hot in the afternoon and one has to travel a long distance to get drinking water. Most water points are not working,” said Sharmistha Pal, a visitor to the zoo.