The authorities at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur have introduced a series of measures to safeguard animals from the intense summer heat in parts of Rajasthan.
With temperatures soaring across parts of the country, park officials have focused on ensuring the comfort and health of wildlife through improved cooling systems and care routines.
Senior wildlife veterinary officer Arvind Mathur said animals such as tigers, lions, leopards and sloth bears are bathed in the morning before being released into their enclosures, according to the ANI.
Night shelters have been fitted with jumbo coolers, while display areas are equipped with water sprinklers, rain guns and artificial water bodies to help animals stay cool. Areas exposed to direct sunlight are covered with green nets to maintain lower temperatures.
#WATCH | Jaipur | In Nahargarh Biological Park, special arrangements are being made to protect wildlife from the intense summer heat in Jaipur. Wild animals, especially tigers, lions, leopards, and sloth bears, are bathed before being released in the morning. Night shelters are… pic.twitter.com/zM7iXYGyDt
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026
Diet modified
The park has also altered the diet of animals to suit the hot weather. Bears are being given cold milk and fruit-based ice treats, while herbivores are fed water-rich foods such as cucumber, bitter gourd and watermelon, reported the ANI.
Hippopotamuses are provided with additional watermelon, and tiger and leopard cubs are receiving chicken along with their regular diet. Glucose is being added to drinking water, and animals are being given vitamins, minerals, calcium supplements and anti-stress medication, the news agency reported.
Health and preventive measures
Officials said that all animals have undergone deworming as part of preventive healthcare. The focus remains on maintaining hydration, reducing stress and preventing heat-related illnesses.
Nahargarh Biological Park has also gained recognition for its successful breeding initiatives. The park is currently caring for new cubs, including those born to tigress Rani.
It has emerged as a leading centre for wildlife breeding, particularly for wolves, and recently recorded births among bears as well.
Animal protection organisation issues heatwave advisory
Meanwhile, with temperatures soaring and Indian Metrological Department (IMD) predicting “above-normal” number of heatwave days throughout April and May, Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International/India), has issued an advisory and urged citizens to take simple yet critical steps to protect companion and community animals, birds and urban wildlife from extreme heat, dehydration and life-threatening heatstroke.
Praveen Suresh, manager, Disaster Response, Humane World for Animals India, said “A Climate change is intensifying heatwaves across India, turning them into a crisis not just for people, but for animals. With the IMD predicting above-normal heatwave days across large parts of the country this summer, the risks are only growing. Extreme heat is already increasing stress, disease, and mortality in animals, while disrupting the livelihoods that depend on them. Protecting animals is no longer optional, it is central to building climate-resilient communities.”
(with ANI inputs)