RESCUED ELEPHANTS AND BEARS BEAT THE HEAT AT WILDLIFE SOS CENTRES
RESCUED ELEPHANTS AND BEARS BEAT THE HEAT AT WILDLIFE SOS CENTRES
As temperatures cross 40°C in India, Wildlife SOS is taking proactive steps to ensure the well-being of the resident elephants and sloth bears. From installing sprinklers in the enclosures to providing ice popsicles as enrichment the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC), Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Facility (BBRC) as well as the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF) is well-prepared for the summer months.
With temperatures soaring, the various Wildlife SOS centres across India have devised comprehensive summer management plans for resident pachyderms and sloth bears. At EHC and ECCC, the enclosures are fitted with sprinklers to maintain a cool environment. Caregivers diligently plough and wet the ground, allowing elephants to indulge in mud baths, protecting their skin from the sun and providing a cool surface to walk on. Water-rich fruits like watermelon, papaya, cucumber, and bottle gourd have been included in their diets, along with fresh green fodder like chari (sorghum), to keep the elephants hydrated.
At ABRF and VVBRF, each den is equipped with air coolers to provide relief, while sprinklers run on regular intervals to cool the ground and create comfortable zones inside the enclosures. Additionally, the bears have access to water pools for cooling off, with enclosures for geriatric bears covered with green agronets to provide shade.
Even with moderate temperatures at BBRC, Wildlife SOS is implementing precautionary measures to ensure the well-being of resident sloth bears. Water-rich fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and sun melon are provided to keep the bears hydrated. The bears at Wildlife SOS centres also enjoy special summer treats in the form of ice popsicles made from seasonal fruits frozen in honey-infused milk, which keeps them cool throughout the day.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said, “Our primary aim with these summer management measures is to benefit the elephants and bears under our care. We have provided sufficient shade, water, and dietary enhancements to ensure their comfort and health.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said, “Our veterinarians and caregivers work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our rescued animals. It’s heartwarming to see them thriving in these conditions while the country grapples with rising temperatures.”
