With summer temperatures in the Hampi region soaring to nearly 39°C, authorities at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park have stepped up efforts to protect animals from heat stress and seasonal diseases. Innovative cooling methods such as mud baths and sprinkler systems are being actively used to ensure animal welfare during the peak summer months.
Forest officials explain that mud baths are not just a natural cooling technique but also a protective measure against infections. When water is poured over black soil, it retains moisture for a longer duration. Animals such as blackbuck, deer, and stags instinctively roll in this moist mud to lower their body temperature. According to Deputy Conservator of Forests Rajesh Naik, medicinal additives are also mixed into the mud, helping eliminate parasites and skin infections that may affect the animals.
Spread across nearly 350 acres, the zoo has more than 15 waterholes that serve as natural cooling zones. Many animals are seen resting in or around these water bodies during the hottest parts of the day. Authorities have ensured that these waterholes are consistently filled, allowing animals to access water at all times.
Special arrangements have also been made in safari zones. Large predators such as lions and tigers are cooled using sprinkler systems, which help regulate their body temperature. Zoo staff carefully monitor each species and adopt cooling methods suited to their physical characteristics and habitat needs.
Water availability has not been a concern for the zoo administration. With four borewells on the premises and solar-powered pumps installed in two of them, the zoo maintains a steady and sustainable water supply even during power fluctuations.
These proactive measures highlight a growing awareness of animal care during extreme weather conditions. By combining traditional techniques like mud bathing with modern systems such as sprinklers and solar-powered water management, the Hampi Zoo is setting an example in wildlife care and climate adaptation.