Ayub National Park Zoo in Rawalpindi has declared a heatwave emergency to safeguard animals from heatstroke and dehydration amid an extraordinary surge in temperature in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It has been decided to install air-conditioners for animals if the temperature reaches 50 degrees Celsius.
To prevent heatstroke in lions, bears, monkeys, zebras, deer, wolves, birds, and tigers, water ponds have been installed in their cages, as well as air-coolers and extra fans with ice blocks in their night barracks.
Army Heritage Foundation Director-General Brig (retd) Asif Akhtar while talking to The Express Tribune said that unusually high temperatures have increased the risk of heatstroke and dehydration in animals and birds, thus the zoo administration has declared an emergency to preserve animals and birds from the heatwave’s detrimental consequences.
Jungle World Zoo Deputy Director Major (retd) Salman explained that as the temperature rises, the animals’ feeding patterns alter, and the veterinary staff adjusts their nutrition accordingly.
“Lions, bears, tigers, deer, zebras, monkeys, puma, and wolves are fed a variety of vitamins and minerals in water to protect them from heatstroke and dehydration,” he said.
In the current situation, the zoo administration has urged visitors not to disturb the animals in cages, as the current heatwave is already causing them harm.
