The quaint Union territory of Pondicherry, officially Puducherry, has been reeling under record-breaking high temperatures this year. While people find ways to beat the scorching heat, animals do not have many options. Thankfully, the office of the forest department near the AFT Ground in Mudaliarpet is working on a war footing to make sure no animal in its care suffers heat stroke, according to a news report.
Dedicated to rescuing and treating stray and injured wildlife, the department is responsible for providing care to snakes, peacocks, porcupines, parrots, hawks, and turtles, among others. Keeping the surroundings cool with constant water flow and giving the animals cooling foods to eat are two ways in which the officials are trying to beat the heat, the website News18.com reported.
Nearly 30 male and female deer housed inside the department’s enclosure are sprayed daily with water to help them cool down. Foods like cucumber and watermelon are being given to those animals that love gobbling up these cooling treats. Turtles and pythons are also being sprayed with water at regular intervals to ensure their comfort, the website reported. In addition, mini shower systems have been set up inside some enclosures. These systems can be turned on as and when needed, it said.
Hopefully, the department succeeds in its efforts to keep the animals safe in the scorching summer. Given how fast the environment is getting degraded and the climate is changing, many other states and Union territories may be forced to institute similar measures to safeguard the animals in their care.
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