The heatwave has disrupted daily life and left people gasping in the unbearable temperatures. The heat has also hit the animals of the zoo in Dhaka, which have become reluctant to eat. Some have taken to the water to escape the heat; others have sheltered in the shade of trees.
The authorities say animals suffering from dehydration are being given liquid food and saline. Regular clean drinking water and bathing have been arranged, and the animals' diet has also been changed.
Seeking shade and water
On a visit to the National Zoo on Thursday (20 April), most of the animals were seen looking for a little cool shade in the intense heat. Tigers and monkeys were resting in water tanks, and deer had sheltered under the trees. Extra care is being taken to help them cope: staff were bathing the elephant because of the heat, and giraffes, birds and other animals were seen sheltering in the shade.
Like the other animals, the ostriches and emus are being given saline water mixed with medicine. The water in the tiger, lion and bear enclosures is being changed twice a day. Those involved said the heat has made the animals reluctant to eat.
What the zoo is doing
Zoo director Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder said no animal had yet fallen ill in the heat. "We started taking extra care of the animals before the hot weather set in. We finished deworming and vaccinating them before the heat came, and we have added vitamin and mineral supplements to boost their immunity," he said.
"Since the heat started we have taken several steps for their comfort. Electrolytes have been mixed into their water, and a 24-hour water supply has been ensured in the enclosures. The bathing water is being changed: we throw away the warm water and fill the tanks with cold water," he said.
Describing further measures, he said animals that cannot bathe in a tub are being bathed separately.
On the change of diet, he said grain feed is now given very early in the morning. "We are giving watermelon to some of the animals. That is something we have started only now," he said.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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