As the harsh winter sets in, the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has put in place special arrangements to ensure a clean, hygienic, comfortable and protected environment for animals, birds and reptiles at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park in Chhatbir near Zirakpur, officials said on Saturday.
For carnivores, room heaters and heat convectors have been installed in the night shelters of all tigers, leopards, lions and other wild cats to protect them from the cold.
All windows and openings in the shelters have been covered with polythene or fibre sheets along with a thatch of sacrum grass to block cold winds. Special temperature-control arrangements have also been made for aged and young animals to ensure their safety during extreme cold.
For herbivores, temporary shelters or huts have been set up using binding wire and ropes, along with waterproof roofing made of black tarpaulin in all enclosures.
Paddy straw and wheat husk bedding has been provided to all herbivorous animals to ensure warm and comfortable flooring.
All bird cages have been tightly covered with fibre cloth, jute mats and polythene sheets to protect them from cold winds and winter rain. Paddy straw, wheat husk and rice bran bedding has been provided to help birds nest warmly.
The front side of bird cages has been made foldable so it can be opened for sunlight when required. Pheasant enclosures have also been enriched with grass, paddy and kanna structures to create a cosy environment.
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The reptile house has been fitted with oil-fin heaters that maintain warmth without disturbing the natural humidity of the enclosures. In addition, reptile enclosures have been provided with wheat husk, dry leaves and heavy blankets to keep them warm. Special UV lamps have also been installed in the reptile section.
Special aquarium water heaters with a water circulation system have been arranged for turtles and tortoises to maintain suitable water temperature.
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