Delhi Zoo authorities have adopted Ayurvedic remedies such as neem oil, turmeric and quicklime to keep animals healthy and free from bacterial and viral infections during the rainy season.
As the monsoon season approaches, Delhi Zoo is taking innovative steps to ensure the health and safety of its animals, incorporating traditional Ayurvedic techniques.
“With monsoon now in the national capital, we have to take all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of our animals during this season. We will use traditional Indian remedies such as neem oil, which will help protect the animals from common biting insects like mosquitoes, midges and fleas,” Delhi Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar told PTI.
Neem oil acts as an herbal antiseptic and fly repellent, while turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, is used to treat itchy skin disorders, infections and wounds, Kumar said. Turmeric powder is applied on wounds and foot wounds to speed up healing, he said.
During heavy rainfall, certain parts of the zoo often get flooded and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To combat this, quicklime (chuna) is spread in these areas to prevent mosquito proliferation.
“We are using quicklime in waterlogged areas to prevent mosquito breeding and keep animals safe,” the official said.
Heavy rains that lashed the national capital on Friday, recording 228.1 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours – the highest recorded in June since 1936 – also affected the Delhi Zoo.
Floodwater breached the zoo boundary wall from the Sundernagar side, flooding the substation area and damaging transformers, resulting in power outage.
The incident affected animal enclosures, administrative offices and staff quarters, and Kumar said measures had been taken to prevent the situation from recurring.
“Broken boundaries have been repaired and barriers have been installed to prevent water backflow and ensure water does not reach animal enclosures,” he said.
Additional measures include creating elevated areas in areas where water is likely to accumulate, providing animals with dry places to rest.
“The director also said additional generators will be purchased specifically for essential uses like gate operation, Wi-Fi, control room, CCTV operation and pumping water to animal enclosures when electricity goes out during the rainy season,” Kumar said.
The official also said that Delhi Zoo currently has two generators — one for the veterinary hospital and the other for running the entire facility — and the third generator would be allotted accordingly.
He stressed the importance of preparing for any health issues caused by the rains by stockpiling essential medicines.
The National Zoo, also known as Delhi Zoo, is situated in an area of 176 acres under the jurisdiction of the Central Government.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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