Kanpur: The authorities at Etawah Safari Park have started installation of electric heaters in the enclosures of Asiatic lions to protect them from cold weather. The diet of animals has also been modified.
Safari director Anil Patel said that the temperature of the enclousers is being regulated between 15 to 16 degrees with the help of electric heaters, temperature metres, and protective curtains. The safari currently houses 15 Asiatic lions, 16 leopards, 6 bears, along with a substantial population of antelopes, including 160 deer and 60 blackbucks.
"While heaters have been installed in the enclosures of Asiatic lions, leopards, and bears, abundant dry paddy has been provided in the enclosures of deer and blackbucks to sit on. They can also consume the paddy without difficulty," said deputy director of the safari Vinay Singh.
"Apart from this, the lions will be released from the enclosures only during sunny periods and will be kept inside the enclosures in fog or during intense cold breeze," he said, adding, "Curtains have been installed on all the windows and doors of the enclosures so that the temperature inside is maintained." Carnivores are being supplied with additional meat daily to maintain their body temperature. Salt licks have been kept at various points in the enclosures as licking salt helps in digestion.