Forest Department allocates ₹20 lakh for animal temperature control

The Forest Department has invested ₹20 lakh to help protect animals at Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem from rising temperatures. This 76-acre park, located at the foothills of Yercaud, attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is home to 254 animals, including crocodiles. Salem district has experienced an increase in temperature over the past two weeks, and forecasts suggest it will continue to rise. In response, the department is taking several steps to safeguard the animals from the heat. Park officials have renovated the sprinklers at the deer enclosures. These sprinklers provide extra water to the 65 spotted deer and 36 sambar deer to keep them cool from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, foggers have been installed for the peacock enclosures, and water has been added to other enclosures to maintain moisture. The animals also receive fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and muskmelon, alongside their regular food. This helps keep them healthy, especially the monkeys. The water levels in the crocodile and tortoise enclosures have also been raised. Assistant Conservator of Forests R. Selvakumar noted that the roofs of eight deer enclosures made of steel sheets have been replaced with thatched roofs to mitigate heat. Overall, the department's focus is on ensuring a comfortable environment for the animals during the hot weather.