Binkadakatti Zoo ramps up summer safeguards

Gadag: As the mercury level keeps rising, just like humans, wild animals, too, are facing the threat of heat stroke.Keeping this in mind, officials at Binkadakatti Zoo in Gadag have taken precautionary measures such as installing sprinklers, mixing rehydrating powders in drinking water, and providing watery fruit to birds. In addition, ice blocks have been placed in small pools, and grass shelters built for tigers and lions. Ramappa Pujar, the range forest officer, Binkadakatti Zoo, told TOI the district has been witnessing maximum temperatures around 39 degrees Celsius for the last fortnight, with the possibility of herbivores getting infected in the summer heat. "We are sprinkling water to cool the floors of animal shelters. They may face issues like dehydration and weakness. To counter that, we are mixing oral rehydrates in drinking water. We are providing fruits rich in water content such as watermelon and grapes," Pujar explained. He added: "We are taking additional care of larger animals such as tiger, lion, and leopard by providing them with water platforms and hutments covered with grass, in keeping with guidance from veterinary experts." Apart from animal care, officials are also ensuring adequate cold drinking water and garden sprinklers for visitors. "Many visitors are here just to beat the heat," officials added. Priya Patil, Sheela Jalihal, Vijay Mulgund who visited the Zoo last Sunday, praised the arrangements for animals and visitors at the zoo. "We observed that officials have ensured proper cover from the heat for all," they commented.