Hyderabad: As winter, which is predicted to be more severe than usual, setting in, officials at the Nehru Zoological Park have begun taking measures to keep the approximately 1,500 inmates warm.
Enclosures have been covered with jute and gunny cloth to prevent cold winds from entering. To keep animals warm, nearly 100 room-heaters have been installed in enclosures, especially for carnivores and other cold-sensitive species, zoo assistant curator Vishnu Vardhan told Deccan Chronicle.
Reptiles, being cold-blooded, are provided with 100-watt heat lamps that mimic the warmth they get from sunlight. “These bulbs are essential for regulating their body temperature and ensuring their survival,” the official said.
“Temperature control is critical for the health of animals, especially reptiles and other cold-sensitive species,” Vishnu Vardhan explained, adding, “We take every step to ensure their comfort and safety during the winter months.”
Natural insulation materials, such as dry leaves and wooden planks, have been added to reptile enclosures. The enclosures for herbivores get green agro shade nets which apart from blocking the cold wind also simulates a natural environment.
Zoo officials monitor temperatures in the enclosures daily to ensure optimal conditions are maintained. Adjustments are made based on the animals’ needs, and any additional precautions are promptly implemented.
