Zoo keeps its cool

AHMEDABAD: With the monsoon delayed, animals at Kankaria zoo are feeling the heat. Zoo authorities are gearing up to provide them with a comfortable environment.
Twenty air-coolers have been provided in enclosures of lions, tigers and sloth bears. Says zoo superintendent Dr RK Sahu, "Hyenas, jackals, foxes and hedgehogs are kept cool using khus-khus or poppy seed mats, a very good coolant.Hippos, elephants and Sambhar deer roll in the mud to stay cool. Mud is a better option than even water."
On entering the zoo, you can feel its cooler thanks to the large number of trees that have been planted in and around the zoo. The zoo is now home to 2,500 mammals with 250-odd enclosures.
Many are open-moated' they have a 4,500 sq m area of natural surroundings to give the animals place to move around.
Zoo-keepers spray water around the enclosures, trees and ground. This works wonders and animals can be seen strolling around in the grass enjoying the cool ambience.
Birds are provided with green net cover to protect them from direct sunlight. They keep cool by sweating it out, which reduces body temperature.
Birds and reptiles take advantage of the cool hours at night and early morning. In the reptile house, which has 10 to 15 snakes, wet mud is used to cool the area. It's under construction and is expected to be ready in four months.
Once the monsoon arrives, animals will get much-needed relief.