Binkadakatti Zoo Implements Heat Safety Measures for Animals and Visitors
Gadag: As temperatures soar, both people and animals need protection from the heat. To safeguard its wildlife, Binkadakatti Zoo in Gadag has introduced a series of protective measures.
Zoo officials are installing sprinklers, adding rehydrating powder to drinking water, and providing juicy fruits like watermelon to the birds. They have also placed ice blocks in small pools to help cool down the animals. Additionally, grass shelters have been constructed for larger animals like tigers and lions.
Ramappa Pujar, the range forest officer at Binkadakatti Zoo, shared that the district has been experiencing temperatures around 39 degrees Celsius for the past two weeks, making it vital to protect herbivores and other animals from overheating. “We’re sprinkling water to cool the floors in animal shelters. Animals could suffer from dehydration and weakness. To help prevent this, we’re mixing oral rehydration solutions in their water and offering water-rich fruits,” Pujar explained.
He emphasized that extra care is being taken for larger species, ensuring they have access to water platforms and shaded hutments as recommended by veterinary experts.
Furthermore, the zoo is attentive to its visitors, providing ample cold drinking water and garden sprinklers to help them stay cool. “Many visitors come here to escape the heat,” zoo officials noted.
Visitors like Priya Patil, Sheela Jalihal, and Vijay Mulgund, who visited the zoo last Sunday, were pleased with the arrangements made for both the animals and guests. “It’s clear that the officials are making great efforts to keep everyone safe from the heat,” they remarked.
