Sprinklers to keep deer cool at park in Cuttack

CUTTACK: The

Cuttack Municipal Corporation

(

CMC

) authorities have made special arrangements for 170 spotted deer housed in the Deer park at

Madhusudan Nagar

here to provide them relief from the scorching heat.

The civic body has installed mechanical water sprinklers to keep the animals cool and is giving them fruits with high water content to protect them from dehydration.

In the wake of the rising temperature, a special menu has been made for the deer. Fruits like watermelons, cucumber and green leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage are being served to the deer. Besides, the animals are also being given glucose solution in the diet.

Park officials said usually fruits and glucose are served to the deer in May or June. But this year due to the sudden rise in temperature, they were forced to start the special menu from Sunday.

There are two concrete sheds in the park and these are insufficient to accommodate 170 deer. So the CMC has decided to construct two more temporary sheds for the animals.

At least 15 kg each of watermelons and cucumbers and 10 kg each of cabbage and spinach are being served to the deer along with fodder every day. Along with these, one kg glucose solution is also served to the deer. The visitors have been asked not to feed biscuits to the deer as they may affect their health. Besides, the animals are being provided with fresh grass and fodder on a daily basis. An official said the CMC is spending Rs 1,000 a day on fruits and vegetables.

Veterinary doctors are keeping an eye on the animals. Water is also being sprinkled on them on a regular basis. Citizens can also donate fruits and green leafy vegetables for the animals, said local corporator Ramjan Khan.