Too hot to prowl: Tiger keeps coolin rising mercury inside Van Vihar

Bhopal:

As the mercury soars across central India, the heat is taking a visible toll on the inhabitants of Van Vihar National Park, prompting administrators to step up measures to protect vulnerable animals from extreme temperatures.

Park officials said Saturday that a series of proactive interventions have been deployed across the park to mitigate heat stress among mammals, birds and reptiles. “We are monitoring temperatures and animal behavior around the clock,” said Van Vihar director Vijay Kumar. “Our priority is to ensure animal welfare while maintaining visitor safety.”

Cooling infrastructure installed at strategic locations includes industrial coolers positioned near enclosures of heat-sensitive species, and shaded zones have been expanded to provide respite during peak afternoon heat. In addition, small huts and additional sheltering structures have been constructed to offer animals places to retreat from direct sun.

Water availability has been a central focus of the relief campaign. Authorities said they have installed extra drinking stations and water troughs at multiple points throughout the park, and increased the frequency of water top-ups to prevent stagnation and contamination.

Veterinary staff and animal keepers have intensified rounds, checking for signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and altered feeding patterns. “Early detection is crucial,” said the park officials. “Animals often hide discomfort; regular monitoring enables us to intervene quickly — with fluids, electrolyte solutions, or shade — before conditions worsen.”

Park management has appealed to visitors for cooperation, urging them to avoid feeding animals, to stay on designated paths. Authorities said staff are conducting routine briefings for guards and volunteers.

Visitors have welcomed the steps but urged long-term planning, citing the need for more permanent shade infrastructure and natural water bodies to make the enclosure environments more resilient to recurring heat waves.

As temperatures across Madhya Pradesh continue to climb, Van Vihar’s efforts underscore the broader challenge facing urban wildlife facilities in adapting to a warming climate