Gujarat’s zoo boosts wildlife protection during intense summer heat

Amid soaring summer temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation(AMC)-run Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden at Kankaria has introduced extensive cooling and hydration measures to protect more than 2,000 animals, birds and reptiles from the ongoing heatwave.Zoo authorities said nearly 38 to 40 air coolers have been installed near enclosures housing animals such as elephants, lions, tigers and leopards to reduce heat stress during peak summer conditions.
Green shade nets have been placed over enclosures to shield animals from direct sunlight, while regular water sprinkling is being carried out across habitats and visitor areas to maintain lower temperatures inside the zoo premises.Officials said a special geo-thermal aeration arrangement has also been developed in the nocturnal zoo section to maintain a cooler internal environment compared to outside temperatures, helping nocturnal species cope better with extreme heat.
According to information,the zoo currently houses around 2,190 animals, birds and reptiles. Authorities said the summer management measures are being implemented under the guidance of zoo advisor R K Sahu and zoo superintendent Sharv Shah.“Special arrangements have been made at Kankaria Zoo to protect wildlife from the heatwave,” the zoo administration said.
Animal keepers have been instructed to ensure regular cleaning of enclosures, timely feeding and continuous monitoring of animals during the summer months. Veterinary teams are also conducting routine inspections and behavioural observations to identify signs of heat stress and take preventive action where required.“To prevent dehydration among animals and birds and to maintain proper body temperature, shelters have been provided so that direct sunlight does not fall on them,” officials said.The administration added that glucose and ORS powder are being mixed in drinking water wherever necessary to maintain hydration levels among animals and birds.
Zoo officials said exotic species are generally more vulnerable to harsh summer conditions. In response, the veterinary team has intensified vaccination drives, deworming procedures and routine health check-ups across the zoo premises.As part of the summer diet programme, animals and birds are being regularly provided fruits and food items with high water and glucose content, including watermelon, musk melon and sugarcane.Authorities said tigers, leopards and blackbucks were recently brought to the zoo, while work is currently underway to develop a walk-in aviary to enhance tourism and visitor experience.
During the ongoing summer vacation season, the zoo remains open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is expected to attract nearly three lakh visitors. To improve visitor comfort, drinking water stations, shaded resting areas, air coolers and water sprinkling systems have also been installed across the premises.According to officials, nearly 77.72 lakh people have visited Kankaria Zoo over the last five years. The administration added that efforts are underway to bring additional animal and bird species to the facility as visitor footfall continues to rise during the intense summer season.

(State Correspondent)