How Mysuru zoo is keeping its animals cool in the searing heat

To help animals stay cool during hot summer, the Mysuru zoo has taken up several initiatives that are aimed at mitigating heat stress among the animals and ensuring their well-being.

To help animals stay cool during hot summer, the Mysuru zoo has taken up several initiatives that are aimed at mitigating heat stress among the animals and ensuring their well-being.

Water jets and sprinklers, across all animal enclosures, have been activated and they offer immediate relief by providing a cooling effect and help in maintaining optimum temperature levels.

Special attention has been given to certain animals, such as the Great Apes. They receive fresh tender coconuts twice daily. The installation of fans and coolers in their night cells have helped create more comfortable conditions, said Zoo Executive Director Rangaswamy.

Additionally, dietary adjustments are being made, including the integration of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, musk melon and cucumber in feeds. These are being provided to support hydration among primates.

Chimpanzees, fond of tender coconut water, that is known to help with hydration, are being given a good amount of tender coconuts by the zookeepers.

Other animals, like the Himalayan Black Bears, are getting ice blocks to help them cool down. Frozen fruit ice cubes, made mostly with apples, were being fed to the bears.

For the herbivores, the zoo has made mud wallows to play and stay cool.