Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad has activated a range of cooling, water and dietary measures for its animals and birds as temperatures rise amid what officials described as the impact of El Niño. The arrangements include water sprinklers, air coolers, foggers, air conditioners and a large shower for the elephant enclosure.
Officials told Deccan Chronicle that the zoo was monitoring conditions during the morning, daytime and night to ensure that the enclosures remained suitable for the animals. The measures have been introduced across different sections based on the needs of the species housed there.
Water sprinklers have been arranged in animal enclosures, while air coolers have been made functional in the night shelters used by carnivorous animals. Foggers have been installed in the bird and reptile enclosures to help manage heat inside those spaces.
Air conditioners are operational in the shelters of nocturnal animals, according to the report. A large shower has also been made functional in the elephant enclosure, providing a dedicated cooling facility for the animals during the hot conditions.
The zoo has also made changes to animal care routines. Caretakers are monitoring the health and food intake of the animals and are updating the veterinary department. Officials said the monitoring was intended to ensure that any changes in the animals’ condition or behaviour could be addressed through the veterinary system.
The measures reflect the operational demands of managing a large zoo during periods of elevated heat. Unlike residents in buildings that can adjust indoor conditions, animals in open or semi-open enclosures depend on staff to regulate access to water, shade, cooling equipment and suitable shelter.
The arrangements at Nehru Zoological Park come as Hyderabad experiences hot conditions, with officials stating that they are taking necessary steps to manage the enclosures. Further action will depend on the conditions observed through the zoo’s ongoing morning, daytime and night monitoring.
