Bhubaneswar, May 25: Amid the ongoing severe heatwave in Odisha, the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) has introduced a comprehensive summer management plan to protect animals from extreme heat stress.

According to zoo officials, a range of cooling measures including water pools, sprinklers, foggers, shaded enclosures and ice-based enrichments have been arranged across the zoo. The preparations were made in advance with coordination between veterinarians, biologists, engineers and field staff.

Big cats such as lions, tigers and leopards are being provided with cooling pools and shaded resting spaces, while bears are receiving mist cooling, ice water and seasonal fruits like watermelon and papaya. Elephants are being given regular baths and sprinkler showers, whereas herbivores like deer and giraffes have been ensured adequate shade, green fodder and continuous water supply.

Primates such as chimpanzees and apes are being kept under restricted outdoor exposure and provided with air coolers and summer diets including coconut water and fruits. Birds are being protected through foggers and water sprays, while reptiles are being managed with controlled humidity and adjusted feeding schedules.

For visitor safety, the zoo has also set up additional drinking water points, shaded rest areas, first-aid facilities and emergency response teams. An air-conditioned recovery room has been kept ready near the main gate to handle any heatstroke cases, officials said.