Bhubaneswar: In response to the decreasing temperatures in the state, Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) authorities have implemented special measures to safeguard animals and birds from the cold weather. Chimpanzees, hoolock gibbons, marmosets, tamarins, and various monkey species’ enclosures are now equipped with room heaters to ensure warmth during the night. For reptiles like anacondas, Iguana, pythons, Burmese pythons, king cobras, and cobras, the zoo has introduced blankets, straw-made mattresses, plywood rooms, and electric bulbs in their enclosures to counter the impact of the dropping night temperatures. To combat the prevailing cold climate, zoo employees are diligently covering bird enclosures with thick nylon nets during the night.
Nandankanan Zoo Assistant Conservator of Forests (Curator) Rashmi Ranjan Swain said that the Bhubaneswar climate is turning very cold, and our winter management and protocol are being followed. We are maintaining and checking diets for specific and vulnerable species.
“We are using plywood room heaters and paddy straws, which help the animals be comfortable. We are also using special infrared lights for reptiles. We are also using a data logger to record temperature and humidity for study. Our veterinary teams are also very active and are treating the animals regularly,” he said.