CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, May 23: As summer continues to become an issue for the people of Ranchi, the effect of a rise in mercury can also be seen on the wild animals of Birsa Zoological Park situated at Ormanjhi, Ranchi.
The Asiatic lion in the zoo was seen in a tired and slothy condition on Sunday as it was sleeping under the bamboo tree on the lion’s premises. Even the health of the giant cat seemed to have gone down due to the extreme heat.
However, the veterinarian at Ormanjhi zoo Dr O.P. Sahu said that it is not a matter of concern as the animals are monitored regularly and all necessary medications have been provided to all the animals in the zoo.
“All the health parameters of the lion are well and good and there is nothing to worry about as such. As far as health is concerned it is due to summer and is a temporary thing. We have provided Fel-o-Vax/ Ronvac vaccine to protect the lion from Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia,” the doctor said.
He added that special care has been taken for the lion and the premises are being disinfected regularly.
“We use Phenyle and Lime powder NPs to disinfect the Retiring cells of the lion daily whereas bi-weekly disinfection is done in exhibit enclosures,” the doctor added.
The zoo authorities had earlier changed the diet plans of all the animals in the zoo where they had included Oral rehydration and glucose as a part of the diet for the lion. They had also installed air coolers on the premises of all the giant cats including lion, tiger, leopard and Black Panther.