Mysuru: As the cold season has gripped the city, it is not only the humans that are feeling the chill. Our animal friends at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) are also finding it difficult to survive the biting cold.

With mercury levels coming down, the over 1,500 inmates of the Zoo are taking advantage of the cosy conditions inside their tiny enclosure created by the authorities to keep them warm.

The Zoo officials have not left any stone unturned to help the animals to brave the winter chill without much discomfort.

They have installed room heaters in the enclosures, straw and jute gunny bag seats and have covered the enclosures and cages with sheets of gunny bag and tarpaulin-like materials. The Zoo authorities are also prepared to face a further dip in temperature.

Apart from warm materials, mercury lights that emit heat are placed near the cages so that the animals can bask under the heat. The lights are placed in such a way that the animals do not get to touch them and come in contact with electricity. These bulbs and heaters are switched on 24×7 to create artificial warmth.

“We are keeping animals warm and healthy by providing the artificial temperature in their cages. Special care is being taken for cat family, including lions, tigers and leopards. Their cages are covered and are under the supervision of veterinarians. Apart from providing warm atmosphere, their dietary plan too has been altered,” said Zoo Executive Director C. Ravishankar.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, he said, “During winter, we usually increase the supply of food. Primates are usually fed with eggs, cut fruits and nuts. For herbivores, we provide fresh leaves and amla. Carnivores are fed with extra meat, milk and eggs to retain energy for a longer time,” he said.

As the temperature levels are dipping during the night and early mornings, the animals are finding it difficult to adjust to the change in the weather. The minimum temperature in Mysuru is in the range of 14.9 to 16 degree Celsius. A few animals in the Zoo have stay put in the cage unable to adapt to the sudden change in weather.

“A few mammals, especially apes, chimpanzees and rhesus macaques, do not tolerate cold weather while elephants, deer, and bison do not face any trouble due to change in temperature levels. Heaters have been provided in the enclosures that house lions, leopards and tigers and cots with wooden planks have been placed in their enclosures as the floors turn very cold. Bulbs are kept switched on in the glass cages housing snakes to keep them warm,” the Executive Director said.

Hyenas and wild dogs are fed chicken to keep them warm as it is breeding time for them. Extra care is taken to provide nutritious and protein-rich food to the animals and warm water for drinking, he added.

“Food supplied to the animals increased by 5% during winter when compared to other months. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals and we ensure that they are cared for during winter. In the wild, they can go to boroughs and hibernate. Since they do not have that option in captivity, we use heaters to keep the enclosures warm,” Ravishankar said.