As temperatures climb beyond 42°C across Gujarat, wildlife facilities in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are stepping up heat mitigation measures to protect hundreds of captive animals from the growing impacts of extreme weather, highlighting the increasing challenges climate variability poses for urban biodiversity management.
At Ahmedabad’s zoological park, caretakers have activated a range of cooling interventions designed to reduce heat stress among species housed in outdoor and semi-enclosed habitats. Advanced temperature-control systems, including underground cooling mechanisms, misting infrastructure and air-cooling equipment, are being used to maintain safer conditions for large carnivores, primates and other sensitive species. Animal care teams are also modifying hydration and nutrition strategies to address the physiological effects of prolonged heat exposure. Veterinary staff are closely monitoring behavioural indicators such as reduced activity levels, changes in feeding patterns and signs of discomfort that may signal heat-related stress. The Ahmedabad zoo heat management programme reflects a broader shift in how conservation facilities are responding to climate risks. Wildlife experts increasingly view extreme temperatures as a growing threat not only to wild ecosystems but also to captive animal populations that depend on carefully managed environments for their well-being.
In Gandhinagar, a major ecological park and wildlife conservation centre has implemented its own summer-response strategy. Cooling equipment, water-based temperature control systems and shaded habitats are being utilised to reduce enclosure temperatures during the hottest periods of the day. The facility accommodates a diverse range of species, including big cats, reptiles, birds and other native wildlife. Veterinarians have also adjusted feeding practices to suit seasonal conditions. Experts note that excessive heat can affect digestion and metabolism in several animal species, prompting the need for modified diets that prioritise hydration and nutritional balance. Water-rich foods and supplemental electrolyte support are increasingly becoming part of animal welfare protocols during extreme summer conditions. The measures underscore the wider implications of rising temperatures for urban ecological infrastructure. Zoos, biodiversity parks and conservation centres are increasingly required to invest in adaptive systems capable of protecting animals from prolonged heatwaves, which climate scientists project may become more frequent and intense across many parts of India.
Urban environmental planners argue that the challenge extends beyond captive wildlife. Increasing temperatures are affecting urban green spaces, water resources and biodiversity corridors, making climate resilience a critical consideration for city planning and environmental management. The Ahmedabad zoo heat management initiative and similar efforts in Gandhinagar demonstrate how conservation institutions are adapting to changing climatic realities. As Gujarat continues to experience hotter summers, wildlife facilities are likely to play an increasingly important role in developing and demonstrating practical approaches to climate adaptation and animal welfare.
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Ahmedabad Zoos Intensify Measures As Heatwave Persists
