Patna: As winter tightens its grip across Bihar, staff at Patna’s Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park have begun a unique “winter care” programme to shield the zoo’s inhabitants from the chill. From blankets for pythons to Chyawanprash for chimpanzees, the preparations are tailored to meet the specific needs of each species.
Zoo Director Hemant Patil explained that nights are particularly harsh, prompting the installation of oil heaters, heating bulbs, and thick curtains in night houses across the park. Wooden platforms have been added to enclosures to prevent animals from coming into direct contact with cold floors.
Blankets and Warmth for Primates and Reptiles
Primates including langurs, monkeys, chimpanzees, hoolock gibbons, and lion-tailed macaques are being covered with blankets at night. Reptiles such as pythons, cobras, vipers, and dhamins benefit from heated floors and blankets, supplemented by heating bulbs to maintain suitable temperatures in their habitats.
Special Diets for Elephants, Bears and Giraffes
Elephants, particularly vulnerable to cold, receive regular mustard oil massages and a diet rich in sugarcane, boiled rice, soybeans, and seasonal fruits to sustain warmth and energy. Bears and giraffes are provided with thick straw bedding, while bears also receive a specially designed winter diet featuring honey, jaggery pudding, eggs, and fruits.
Boosting Immunity for Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are being given a “healthy winter diet” including Chyawanprash, honey, Amla Murabba, and seasonal fruits, aimed at boosting immunity and maintaining body warmth.
Bird Enclosures and 24-Hour Monitoring
Birdhouses are shielded with plastic sheets and agronet to keep out cold winds while ensuring adequate sunlight. The zoo also monitors temperatures and animal health around the clock, with veterinarians on standby to address any emergencies.
This year’s winter preparations are described by the zoo management as more extensive than ever, reflecting a commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of every animal during the cold season.
