SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has undertaken a range of proactive measures through its Horticulture Department to safeguard the animals, birds, and reptiles of Indira Gandhi Park Zoo from the intense summer heat. These steps are aimed at ensuring a safe, healthy habitat for the zoo’s diverse inhabitants comprising 200 inhabitants representing 18 species.

Cold water is being regularly sprayed inside the enclosures of leopards, bears, deer, and primates using water tankers to lower ambient temperatures. Air coolers have been installed in the enclosures of leopards, bears, primates, and macaws to offer relief from the high temperatures.

Water pools in the paddocks for bears, deer, and emus are being thoroughly scraped and cleaned to provide clean bathing areas for the animals. Enclosures are also cleaned regularly using medicinal disinfectants to maintain hygiene and prevent infections during the hot weather.

A continuous supply of cold, potable water is being maintained in the deer enclosures and wallowing ponds for sambars, nilgai and emus. To prevent dehydration and heat stress, the animals’ diets include electrolyte supplements, succulent feed, and anti-stress formulations mixed with drinking water, especially for primates, birds, and deer.

Water tankers are also used to sprinkle water over the animal sheds every alternate day to help reduce surface temperature and provide a cooling effect. Special care is being taken for sensitive and endangered species, ensuring they have easy access to water bodies at all times to regulate their body temperature and stay cool.

It is worth mentioning here that Indira Gandhi Park Zoo, the second-largest integrated zoo in Odisha, receives nearly one lakh visitors annually.