Dehradun Zoo Beats the Heat: Creative Ways to Keep Animals Cool

When the mercury in Dehradun nudged past 45 °C, the zoo’s keepers realized they’d have to think beyond the usual water bowls. The heatwave wasn’t just uncomfortable – it was potentially dangerous for the zoo’s diverse inhabitants, from lanky giraffes to shy pangolins.

First on the list was shade. Massive, canvas‑covered canopies were draped over the most exposed enclosures, creating instant oases. It sounds simple, but the sudden contrast between blistering sun and cool shadow can make a world of difference for an animal’s body temperature.

Next came the mist. Portable misting fans, the kind you’d see at outdoor weddings, were strategically placed near feeding stations. As the fine droplets hung in the air, they produced a gentle, cooling veil that the animals could walk through – a bit like a tropical rain shower, only on demand.

But the team didn’t stop at mist. They installed low‑lying water sprinklers in the elephant and buffalo pens, letting the giants splash about at will. Even the smaller carnivores got a treat: chilled water troughs that stay a few degrees cooler thanks to insulated liners.

Feeding times were tweaked, too. Instead of the usual mid‑day chow, keepers now serve the bulk of the diet early in the morning or later in the evening, when the air is marginally softer. This not only reduces heat stress during digestion but also gives the animals a chance to enjoy their meals without the oppressive sun beating down.

“It’s a bit of trial and error,” admits Ravi Sharma, the zoo’s senior caretaker, chuckling as he wipes sweat from his brow. “We watch how each species reacts, then adjust. Some love the mist, others just prefer a good, cool burrow.”

Indeed, natural burrows were reinforced for ground‑dwelling animals like the meerkats and Indian crested porcupines. Fresh bedding was added, and the soil was kept moist to enhance evaporative cooling.

All these measures, while seemingly modest, are part of a larger plan. The zoo has partnered with the state’s climate department to monitor temperature spikes in real time, ensuring that any sudden rise triggers an immediate response.

Visitors, too, are being guided gently. Signage now reminds guests to stay hydrated, avoid lingering near enclosures during peak heat, and respect the temporary ‘quiet zones’ where animals are given extra privacy.

As the heatwave drags on, the zoo’s improvised cool‑down strategies appear to be paying off. Staff report that animals are eating well, showing normal activity levels, and, most importantly, appear comfortable. It’s a small victory in the larger battle against climate‑driven challenges facing wildlife facilities across India.