Odisha animal conservation centre makes arrangements for heat

Elaborate arrangements have been made by Wild Animal Conservation Centre of Sambalpur to protect the animals from the searing heat.
In view of the soaring temperature, the authorities here have already made summer sheds for the animals and birds. Straw has been placed over the roof of the sheds.
Apart from this, the authorities have also started sprinkling water to make the animals feel cool. Sack and green net are also being used. The concrete floors of the enclosures are being washed twice a day.
"Watermelon, sugarcane and papaya are being served to the herbivorous animals to prevent heat-related stress among them," said Range Officer of the Wild Animal Conservation Center, Madanlal Sharma.

Apart from making arrangements for wild animals, the authorities have also taken steps for the visitors also. "Despite the scorching heat, hundreds of visitors are regularly visiting this place," said Sharma.
The centre, which is located in the heart of Sambalpur city, was established in 1980 and has already achieved the status of a small zoo. It houses 17 wild life species and the number of birds and animals in the zoo now is 247.

Wildlife animals including spotted deer, four-horned antelope, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, monkey, civet cat, python, peacock, parakeet, moorhen, duck, spotted dove and a number of exotic birds are present in the zoo, which is spread over an area of 13.16 hectares.

The wild animal conservation centre, which is also known as a deer park, is a major attraction of the city. The animal, birds and the beautiful surrounding always attract thousands of visitors here.
"Like human beings, the wild animals are also vulnerable to the heat wave. These animals need special care during the summer", Sharma said.
"The officials of the centre in Sambalpur have made wide arrangements to protect the wild animals from the heat wave condition," said Sanjaya Dash, a visitor to the centre.
"This is the only small zoo in western Odisha. This is the only well-maintained recreational place in the city now. Every year, the officials here make adequate arrangements for the animals during summer," said another visitor, Saroj Purohit.