With the onset of blistering summers, zoo authorities in Visakhapatnam are making special arrangements to provide the animals a comfortable environment.
Coolers, table fans and air-conditioners are being installed to help animals escape the summer heat. The cages are being sprayed with water regularly to keep them cool.
"Summers create a lot of problems for animals in their behaviour and health. We take precautionary measures to keep control of the hot waves and summer heat. We arrange some water sprinklers then cool roof paint that we paint on night houses of all animals," said Visakhapatnam Zoo Curator, G. Ramalingam.
While rhinos stayed in water pools due to the rising temperature, many other animals and birds took shelter under shade. For birds, the cages have been covered with palm leaf mats which help reduce the heat considerably.
The authorities are also feeding plenty of liquids and seasonal fruits such as watermelon and pineapple to animals. Animals are also fed water with glucose and oral rehydration solution to prevent them from dehydration.
Special care is being given to older animals of the zoo.
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The rising mercury has come as a disappointment to tourists as well.
"We came to the zoo with a lot of expectation but it's really hot here as the temperature is around 30 degree Celsius, we are not able to enjoy. The animals are facing a lot of problems as well. They use to roam in the open but now stay in the shadows," said a tourist from Gujarat, Mayup.
The maximum temperature in the state hovered around 31-33 degree Celsius this week.