CHHATBIR, Dec 28— With winter setting in, Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park at Chhatbir has strengthened cold-weather care for animals through heated enclosures, insulated shelters and energy-rich diets, zoo officials said.
Night shelters for big cats, including tigers, lions and leopards, have been fitted with room heaters and heat convectors. Windows have been sealed with polythene sheets, fibre boards and thatch to prevent heat loss.
Officials said additional precautions are in place for vulnerable animals, particularly juveniles and the elderly.
Herbivorous animals have been shifted to waterproof temporary shelters and provided with bedding made of paddy straw and wheat husk to keep them warm.
Bird aviaries have been wrapped with jute mats, fibre cloth and polythene covers. Foldable fronts allow sunlight to enter enclosures during daytime hours.
Cold-control measures have also been introduced in the reptile section, where oil fin heaters, UV lighting and insulated bedding are in use. Aquarium heaters and circulation systems have been installed for turtles and tortoises to maintain suitable water temperatures.
Zoo authorities said feeding schedules have been modified for winter. Bears are being given honey and sugarcane daily, while deer and monkeys receive jaggery supplements. Elephants are consuming up to 100 kg of sugarcane per day to meet higher energy demands.
Small birds are also being fed linseed seeds and nutritional additives to help them withstand the cold, officials said.
