Cold devastates animals in Jharkhand zoo

Zoo authorities in Jharkhand take steps to protect
animals from cold weather
by Anup Sinha

Jamshedpur: As inmates like the alligators and crocodiles are struggling against the current cold wave sweeping northern India, the zoo authorities of Tata Steel Zoological Park in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand claim to have taken several remedial measures to insulate the animals from the threatening cold conditions. The measures included hanging straw mats and sacks outside the cages, and installing heaters. "To protect the animals from cold weather, we hang mats and sacks outside their cages. We even give jaggery to the herbivorous animals. We increase the meat quantity in the meals of omnivorous and carnivorous animals. Our main motive is to keep their immune system healthy. We want that these animals should develop internal resistance," said M S Jain, Director of Tata Steel Zoological Park. The Tata Steel Zoological Park has made new cages for the alligators and crocodiles, because last year during the floods some of the alligators and crocodiles were washed away with the flood. A lion has also been provided with heater facility. "Animals are also living beings like us and they should also get proper care. It is not practical to put warm clothes on them. That's the reason why zoo authorities have provided heater facilities and many other facilities to them, so that they can stay warm in the cold weather," said Ishita Das, a visitor. According to Jain, most of the animals are from the local region. They are immune to the weather. However, extra care is given to all the sick and old animals. Two hundred watt bulbs are also installed in the rooms of birds to keep their room warm, so that migratory birds should not have any health problems. Every year during the winter season, the zoo authorities make arrangements to keep the animals cozy and comfortable. Alterations in the diet of animals have also been made.
-Jan 7, 2009

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