Bokaro zoo readies action plan for animals to beat the heat

Bokaro: The soaring temperatures have raised concerns among authorities and staff at Jawaharlal Nehru Biological (JNB) Park, popularly known as Bokaro Zoo, as the intense heat has posed a threat to the wellness of animals. The zoo houses 26 enclosures and is owned by Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a unit of SAIL.
Chief of communication at BSL, Manikant Dhan on Thursday said that the zoo staff are putting on special efforts to protect the animals from the intense heat.
“Coolers and fans are being provided in some enclosures and provision of sheds to shield them from the scorching heat. Glucose and vitamin B Complex are being provided to the animals and their diet and health is being closely monitored,” said Dhan.
“With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius these days, adequate arrangement of water has been done in the enclosures. Hippopotamus and bears swim in the water-filled canal within their enclosures, while vessels are constantly filled with water in the leopard enclosure and others,” he added.
To alleviate the summer stress, the animals, including bears and monkeys, are being fed cucumbers and watermelons in addition to their regular diet.
Straw and palm leaves have also been placed on the roofs of aviaries to provide extra protection to the birds.