A biting cold wave sweeping across West Bengal from north to south has prompted the Forest Department and State Zoo Authority to roll out extensive winter protection measures for animals housed in zoos across the state, said a forest department official.
With temperatures plunging sharply — particularly in North Bengal — and snowfall predicted in Darjeeling, authorities have moved swiftly to ensure that no animal suffers due to the harsh weather conditions.
Meteorological Department officials said the mercury has dipped significantly in the northern districts, with snowfall already reported in North Sikkim and the possibility of snow in Sandakphu. “The severe chill has affected not only human inhabitants of the hills but also animals, especially those not naturally adapted to extreme cold,” said an official of the department.
In response, the Forest Department has taken special care of over 2,000 animals housed in six zoos across the state. From heaters and blowers to jute sacks, straw bedding, and modified diets, elaborate arrangements — described by officials as “royal” — have been put in place to combat the cold. Enclosures have been winter-proofed, night shelters reinforced, and dietary plans adjusted to help animals maintain body heat.
The two major zoos in North Bengal — the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling and the Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri — have implemented particularly stringent measures. Similar precautions are being followed at Alipore Zoological Gardens, Jangalmahal Zoo, Rasikbil Zoo, and the Sundarbans Zoo.
State Minister of Forests Birbaha Hansda stated that all zoo authorities have been instructed to take extra precautions during the cold spell. “Animals originating from colder regions generally do not face major difficulties during winter. For instance, most animals at the Padmaja Naidu Zoo are native to cold climates. Still, we have directed authorities to ensure their comfort. Emergency measures have been implemented in other zoos across the state,” she said.
State Zoo Authority Member Secretary P Kamalakant elaborated on the arrangements, noting that while special measures are in place for most animals, reptiles require a different approach. “Snakes and other reptiles enter hibernation during winter, so minimal changes are made for them. However, their enclosures are shielded with wooden planks to block cold winds. Tigers and lions are provided with heaters and blowers from nightfall, along with wooden platforms covered in sacks to protect them from the cold ground. Deer are given dry leaves, sacks, and straw for warmth,” he explained.
Bengal Safari Park Director E Vijay Kumar confirmed that comprehensive steps have been taken at the park. “Heaters, blowers, and heating pads have been installed. Dietary adjustments have also been made— herbivores such as deer and rhinoceroses are being fed nuts and energy-rich food, while carnivores like lions, leopards, and tigers are being given red meat and fatty items such as goat and beef to help generate body heat,” he said.
Zoo staff have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance during the night, particularly between midnight and 5 a.m., when temperatures drop to their lowest. “Thermometers have been installed in every night shelter to monitor conditions closely. Officials noted that carnivorous animals tend to consume more food during winter, and feeding schedules have been adjusted accordingly,” said an official of Alipore zoo in Kolkata.
With the cold wave expected to persist, zoo authorities remain on high alert, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its wildlife during extreme weather conditions.
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