Special arrangements made at Alipore Zoo in Kolkata to keep animals cool during extreme heat

ANI May 13, 2025 459 views

Alipore Zoo has installed air coolers, sprinklers, and shaded water ponds to protect animals from scorching temperatures. Biologist Manavi Pal explains special diets with hydrating fruits are given to species vulnerable to heatstroke. The zoo houses 1,647 animals across 169 species, with tailored cooling for primates, big cats, and birds. IMD predicts prolonged heatwaves across India, prompting proactive zoo measures.

"We provide juicy fruits like watermelon and cool water ponds for heat-prone animals" - Manavi Pal, Alipore Zoo Biologist
Special arrangements made at Alipore Zoo in Kolkata to keep animals cool during extreme heat
Kolkata, May 13: Alipore Zoo in Kolkata has made special arrangements to keep animals cool during the current hot conditions in several parts of the country. Alipore Zoological Park authorities have come up with special arrangements like air coolers and water sprinkling system for providing comfort zone to animals.

Key Points

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Special coolers and fans for bears and primates

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Sprinklers and shaded ponds for birds and big cats

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Summer diet includes hydrating fruits like watermelon

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IMD warns of extended heatwave in multiple states

Alipore Zoo biologist Manavi Pal told ANI that there are approximately 1647 animals inside all enclosures and 169 species at Alipore Zoo.

Manavi Pal said, "As per the direction of authorities we make sure of all arrangements for animals against heat wave and rays of the sun. Specially for bear, monkeys, chimpanzees. For birds who are prone to heat stroke we make special arrangements of sprinklers and cool water in small artificial ponds with Oras."

She added that for other animals, adequate water is being stored.

"For elephants, Tigers and hippo, adequate water is being stocked in ponds. Also providing coolers fan for animals like bears, monkeys, chimpanzees and kangaroos. Along with it, coolers and fans are available for tigers, lions, foxes, bears and other animals inside their night shelters," she added.

Talking about the diet being provided to the animals, Manavi Pal said, "We are providing juicy fruit like watermelon, papaya and juice as food to animals as summer special diet."

As the country braces for the monsoon season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cautionary outlook for May, warning of above-normal temperatures and a likely rise in heatwave occurrences across several regions.

The IMD anticipates an additional 1 to 4 days of heatwave conditions in key regions, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal, as well as parts of Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and northern Karnataka.

Reader Comments

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Priya M.
This is such a thoughtful initiative by Alipore Zoo! 🐘 The summer heat in Kolkata can be unbearable even for humans, so I can imagine how difficult it must be for animals. The juicy fruit diet is a great idea - even we humans crave watermelons in this heat!
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Rahul K.
Good to see our zoo authorities being proactive. But I wonder - are these cooling arrangements being made in all zoos across India? Smaller towns might not have the same facilities. The government should issue guidelines for all animal shelters during heatwaves.
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Ananya S.
As someone who visits Alipore Zoo regularly with my kids, I've noticed the staff always go the extra mile for animal welfare. The new cooling systems show their dedication. Maybe they could add more shaded areas too? The enclosures look quite exposed to sunlight.
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Suresh P.
While these measures are good, I hope they're also monitoring the water quality in those ponds regularly. Stagnant water in this heat can become breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. Our zoo animals deserve the best care possible.
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Meena D.
The special summer diet with juicy fruits is brilliant! 🌞🍉 It's heartwarming to see such attention to detail. I remember visiting last summer and seeing how the bears enjoyed their water sprinklers. More zoos should share their best practices like this.
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Vikram J.
This is good but what about the stray animals in our cities? If we can arrange coolers for zoo animals, can't municipal corporations set up water stations for street dogs and cattle? The heat affects all creatures, not just those in enclosures.

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Tags:
Alipore Zoo Kolkata heatwave Animal care Manavi Pal IMD Zoo cooling measures