Winter’s roar tamed at Punjab’s Chhatbir; zoo warm as bear hug.

Mohali: No frostbite frights at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park — carnivores cozy in heat convectors, birds bundled in jute nests, herbivores hunkered on wheat-husk floors. Sealed shelters and UV lamps mimic sunny burrows, with veterinarians' teams on daily watch for Punjab's vulnerable wildlife clan.Punjab forest and wildlife preservation department rolls out thermal shields — from oil fin heaters for reptiles to paddy-straw beds for grazers — guarding lions, birds, and turtles from biting winds. The winter safety strategy playbook ensures no animal is left out in the cold this season. Commonly known as Chhatbir Zoo, the facility has introduced a range of these thermal measures under the direct mandate of forest minister Lal Chand Kataruchak.Thermal upgrades for carnivores and birdsTo protect the zoo's high-profile carnivores, including lions, tigers, and leopards, officials have installed high-capacity room heaters and heat convectors within night shelters. Windows and openings have been sealed with polythene sheets and traditional sacruma grass thatch to block freezing winds. The zoo's bird population has received similar attention.For insulation, the cages are now shrouded in jute mats and fibre cloth. For daylight access, curtains are designed to be foldable, allowing keepers to expose birds to sunlight during warmer midday hours. There are nesting solutions as well. Enclosures for pheasants have been enriched with ‘kanna' structures and rice bran bedding to maintain nesting temperatures.Specialised care for reptiles and herbivoresRecognising the unique physiological needs of cold-blooded residents, the reptile house has been equipped with oil fin heaters. Unlike standard heaters, these maintain warmth without depleting natural humidity. Special UV lamps have been installed to compensate for shorter daylight hours. Turtles and tortoises benefit from new aquarium heaters and water circulation systems to prevent water temperatures from plummeting. For the zoo's grazers, waterproof huts featuring black tarpaulin roofing and thick wheat-husk bedding have been constructed to provide a dry, insulated floor.Monitoring and WelfareDepartment officials confirmed that these measures will be monitored daily by veterinary teams throughout the winter months. Special protocols are also in place for the zoo's "vulnerable" residents — specifically the very young, the elderly, and those currently under medical observation — to ensure they remain stable during sub-zero overnight temperatures. The strategy has turned harsh chill into a heated haven for every paw and beak. : - MSID:: 126204543 413 |