New Delhi: Delhi Zoo authorities are using Ayurvedic methods, including neem oil, turmeric and quicklime, to keep animals healthy and free from bacterial and viral infections during the rainy season.
As the monsoon season progresses, Delhi Zoo is taking innovative measures to ensure the health and safety of its animals by incorporating traditional Ayurvedic methods.
"The monsoon has entered the capital and we have to take all necessary measures to keep the animals healthy and safe during this season. We will use some Indian home remedies like neem oil, which will help protect the animals from common insects including mosquitoes, biting mosquitoes and fleas," said Delhi Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.
Neem oil acts as a herbal disinfectant and fly repellent, Kumar said, while turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, will be used to treat itchy skin conditions, infections and wounds. Turmeric powder will be applied to injuries and sores on the feet to speed up healing, he said.
Heavy rains often cause waterlogging in certain areas of the zoo, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To counteract this, quicklime (chuna) will be sprinkled in these areas to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.
"We are using quicklime in waterlogged places to stop the growth of mosquitoes and keep our animals safe," the official said.
After heavy rains lashed the national capital on Friday, recording 228.1 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the highest in June since 1936, the Delhi Zoo was also affected.
A power outage occurred when floodwaters breached the boundary wall of the zoo from the Sundernagar side, inundating the substation area and causing damage to the transformer.
This incident affected animal enclosures, administrative offices and staff quarters. Referring to this situation, Kumar said that measures have been taken to prevent its recurrence.
"The broken boundary is being repaired and barriers are being installed to prevent the backflow of water, ensuring water does not reach the animal enclosures," he said.
Additional measures include providing raised platforms in areas prone to water accumulation, ensuring animals have dry places to rest.
"The director also mentioned that we will purchase an additional generator dedicated to essential uses such as gate operation, Wi-Fi, control room, CCTV operations and animal enclosures to pump water during rainy periods when electricity is cut," he said Kumar.
The official also said that the Delhi Zoo currently has two generators - one for the animal hospital and another for the operational needs of the entire facility, and the third generator will be allocated accordingly.
He highlighted the importance of preparing for rain-related health problems by stocking up on necessary medicines.
The National Zoological Park, also known as Delhi Zoo, is situated in an area of 176 acres under the jurisdiction of the central government.
As the monsoon season progresses, Delhi Zoo is taking innovative measures to ensure the health and safety of its animals by incorporating traditional Ayurvedic methods.
"The monsoon has entered the capital and we have to take all necessary measures to keep the animals healthy and safe during this season. We will use some Indian home remedies like neem oil, which will help protect the animals from common insects including mosquitoes, biting mosquitoes and fleas," said Delhi Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.
Neem oil acts as a herbal disinfectant and fly repellent, Kumar said, while turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, will be used to treat itchy skin conditions, infections and wounds. Turmeric powder will be applied to injuries and sores on the feet to speed up healing, he said.
Heavy rains often cause waterlogging in certain areas of the zoo, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To counteract this, quicklime (chuna) will be sprinkled in these areas to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.
"We are using quicklime in waterlogged places to stop the growth of mosquitoes and keep our animals safe," the official said.
After heavy rains lashed the national capital on Friday, recording 228.1 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the highest in June since 1936, the Delhi Zoo was also affected.
A power outage occurred when floodwaters breached the boundary wall of the zoo from the Sundernagar side, inundating the substation area and causing damage to the transformer.
This incident affected animal enclosures, administrative offices and staff quarters. Referring to this situation, Kumar said that measures have been taken to prevent its recurrence.
"The broken boundary is being repaired and barriers are being installed to prevent the backflow of water, ensuring water does not reach the animal enclosures," he said.
Additional measures include providing raised platforms in areas prone to water accumulation, ensuring animals have dry places to rest.
"The director also mentioned that we will purchase an additional generator dedicated to essential uses such as gate operation, Wi-Fi, control room, CCTV operations and animal enclosures to pump water during rainy periods when electricity is cut," he said Kumar.
The official also said that the Delhi Zoo currently has two generators - one for the animal hospital and another for the operational needs of the entire facility, and the third generator will be allocated accordingly.
He highlighted the importance of preparing for rain-related health problems by stocking up on necessary medicines.
The National Zoological Park, also known as Delhi Zoo, is situated in an area of 176 acres under the jurisdiction of the central government.
