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Punjab Zoo Warms Hearts with Cozy Winter Care for Animals and Birds

The Punjab Forest Department has implemented extensive winter protection measures at Chhatbir Zoo to safeguard its diverse inhabitants. Carnivores like tigers and lions receive room heaters in shelters insulated with polythene and sacrum grass thatch. Herbivores and birds are provided with temporary huts, waterproof tarpaulins, and warm bedding made from paddy straw and wheat husk. Specialized care includes UV lamps and humidity-safe heaters for reptiles, along with aquarium heaters for turtles and tortoises.

Key Points: Punjab Zoo's Winter Care: Heaters, Thatch for Animals

  • Room heaters for carnivores
  • Sacrum grass thatch insulation
  • Special bedding for herbivores & birds
  • Climate-controlled reptile & aquarium care
2 min read

Room heaters, sacrum grass thatch for zoo inmates in Punjab

See how Punjab's Chhatbir Zoo uses room heaters, sacrum grass thatch, and special bedding to protect animals from harsh winter. A story of compassionate conservation.

"evolved special measures to ensure a hygienic, comfortable, and protective environment - Punjab Forest Dept."

Chandigarh, Dec 27

Amidst harsh winter, the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has evolved special measures to ensure a hygienic, comfortable, and protective environment for animals, birds and reptiles at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park in Chhatbir, near here, authorities said on Saturday.

For the carnivores, room heaters and heat convectors have been provided in the night shelters of all tigers, leopards, lions and other wild cats.

All the windows and openings have been covered with polythene sheets or fibre sheets and a thatch of sacrum grass.

Special temperature control arrangements have been provided for old and young animals.

For the herbivores, the creation of temporary shelter or a hut has been undertaken with the help of binding wire and ropes, with the facility of waterproof arrangements (black tarpaulin fixed in the roof) in all the enclosures.

Paddy straw and wheat husk bedding have been provided to all the herbivorous animals for cosy flooring.

All the cages of birds have been covered with fibre cloths, jute mats, and polythene sheets tightly to save them from the chill and winter rain. Paddy straw, wheat husk and rice bran bedding have been provided to all the birds for warm nesting.

The covering on the front side of bird cages is foldable so that it can be opened for sunlight when needed. All the pheasants' cages have been enriched with grass, paddy and 'kanna' structure for a cosy environment.

The reptile house has been equipped with oil-fin heaters that do not affect the natural humidity of the enclosures. Also, all the enclosures of reptiles have been provided with wheat husk, dry leaf foliage and heavy blankets, which gives coziness to the reptiles. Special UV lamps have been fitted in the reptile section.

Special aquarium water heaters with a water circulation system are also being provided for turtles and tortoises.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some positive news! The detail is impressive - foldable covers for birds, UV lamps for reptiles. Shows proper planning. Hope they maintain this level of care consistently and not just for headlines during winter.
D
David E
As someone who visits Chhatbir often, this is a welcome step. The enclosures can get very cold. My only respectful criticism: I hope the polythene sheets are secured properly and don't become a hazard for the animals if they tear.
A
Aman W
Good job by the Forest Dept. Using local resources like 'kanna' structure and grass thatch is cost-effective and provides natural insulation. More zoos in North India should adopt such desi solutions for winter management.
S
Sneha F
The thought given to different species is commendable - oil-fin heaters for reptile humidity, special bedding for birds. Animals deserve this comfort. Makes me want to visit and see the arrangements myself!
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of governance we need to appreciate. Practical, compassionate, and detailed. Hope the allocated funds are used properly and there is no corruption in the procurement of these materials. Jai Hind.

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