Special diet, heaters to keep zoo inmates warm at Bokaro zoo

Bokaro: As winter tightens its grip and temperatures continue to fall, the Jawaharlal Nehru Biological (JNB) Park popularly known as Bokaro Zoo has stepped up a well-planned initiative to safeguard the health and comfort of its animals and birds.

Apart from using artificial heating arrangements to keep animals warm, zoo authorities are also focusing on strengthening immunity of inmates through proper nutrition.Chief of communication, BSL, Manikant Dhan said that special nutritional supplements are being provided to animals vulnerable to low temperatures. “With the mercury dropping, calcium and vitamins are being added to the diet of sensitive animals such as leopards and blackbucks to boost their immunity. These supplements are mixed with their regular feed to ensure easy intake,” he said.


Alongside dietary care, heating arrangements have also been made where required. Leopards’ enclosures have been fitted with room heaters to maintain a warm and comfortable environment. The Himalayan bear is receiving special attention, including honey in its diet to help generate body warmth, while firewood is lit in enclosures during evenings to combat the chill.

“To protect smaller animals and birds, aviaries have been covered with curtains, and straw bedding has been placed in the enclosures of snakes, civets and birds. Tree branches have also been trimmed to allow maximum sunlight to reach the enclosures during the day,” said Dhan.

The park is home to nearly two dozen species including leopards, blackbucks, Himalayan bears and hippopotamuses.