Quench thirst of animals, birds during summer

Chennai: With temperatures soaring, the mortality of birds is all set to surge.

Animal activists are now conducting awareness campaigns to keep water bowls and have started advising residents on how to protect animals from summer strokes.

Not only is it a problem for pets, but also for migratory birds that get dehydrated during the summer. “Indian pittas stay longer than their tenure and mostly die due to dehydration. Placing water bowls in the backyards and on terraces would prevent them from such fatalities,” said T. Murugavel, naturalist and an avid bird watcher.

The sparrow population, which managed to sustain in North Madras and parts of Ooroorkuppam, Pattinambakkam, Triplicane, needs a sustainable environment during the summer, he said.

People for Cattle in India has invited the public for the Water Bowl Challenge to encourage people to put out bowls of water for poor animals, said Arun Prasanna, Founder, People for Cattle in India. The Water Bowl Challenge will commence on March 13 for which renowned celebrities, activists and the general public are expected to take part. “We are looking forward to give away at least 400 water bowls this year,” said Prasanna.

The Blue Cross of India is also distributing water bowls this summer season. “Last year, we had distributed 2,200 water bowls. This year we are expecting the distribution of approximately 3,500 water bowls,” said Dawn Williams of Blue Cross. Around 300 bowls have already been distributed within the past week, he added.

“Vidya Mandir and Grove Schools have also placed orders for bowls as students have volunteered to put out bowls for animals. This is the first time schools are volunteering to take part,” he added. “It is important for such organisations to take up such initiatives. We cannot let animals succumb to the heat,” said Meera Mohan of Anna Nagar.