Summer water splash by Coimbatore corporation for zoo animals

Coimbatore: With the mercury hitting 100 degree Fahrenheit, the Coimbatore corporation has come up with a “simple summer plan” of spraying water on animals at the VOC zoo to help them brave summer heat.

During the summer season, the corporation workers say they keep a close watch on the animal and prevent them from suffering from dehydration. The summer is hard for the zoo animals, which are prone to typhoid and heat strokes. Last year, corporation workers administrated anti-stress medicines such as vitamins to keep them healthy.

“When the heat level rises above 40 degree Celsius, the oral supplements like Vitamin C are recommended for the animals. A lot of care is being taken during the summer as the heat causes sudden heat stroke. So far, no animal has died due to the scorching heat. Steps have been taken to create cool surroundings across the premises. We have been replacing water daily in mini ponds to maintain hygiene. The animals can cool off by getting into these pond waters,” said a senior officer in zoo maintenance.  

“The VOC zoo is like a mini forest with more than 300 trees which reduces the temperature inside the zoo. So the temperature is low on zoo premises, when compare to the city. Most cages are covered by the greenery which enables the animal to beat the heat,” he added.

The heat wave leaves monkeys and deers badly affected. So extra care is being given to these animals. “We have asked the corporation to install sprinklers in deer and monkey enclosures,” the official said.

Hornbills, pelicans and herons have shade nets over their cages. In the mornings, the animals are drenched in water to reduce heat effect.