Cozy Corners for Wild Creatures
As Hyderabad’s mornings turned misty and breath fogged the air, life inside the Nehru Zoological Park took on a gentler rhythm. While most of the city’s residents reached for sweaters and steaming cups of chai, the zoo’s inhabitants found their own version of winter comfort — thanks to a carefully orchestrated seasonal care operation.
Last December, as cold winds began sweeping across the enclosures, the zoo’s team sprung into action with an elaborate winter protection plan. Under the watchful guidance of J. Vasantha, IFS, Curator of the Nehru Zoological Park, the staff went beyond routine care. Their mission was clear: ensure that no animal — big or small — felt the sting of the season.
From regal tigers and restless lions to chattering primates and delicate birds, every species received its own form of cozy shelter. Heaters hummed quietly in the night houses of carnivores, primates, and bears. Thick gunny cloths and green shade nets draped the enclosures, warding off biting winds. Even wooden planks — so simple yet so thoughtful — were placed under the big cats’ paws to prevent cramps from the cold earth.
Among the more tender-hearted efforts were the warm homes for primates. Squirrel monkeys and marmosets snuggled into wooden boxes lined with dry paddy straw — a rustic insulation that brought both comfort and warmth. In the aviaries, macaws and cockatoos puffed up their feathers in snug, straw-lined nest boxes, perfectly adapted for chilly nights.
Over in the Reptile House, the scene was one of quiet adaptation. Dry leaves rustled underneath clay pots and dens lit by soft 100-watt bulbs — just enough to mimic the gentle warmth of the sun that reptiles crave. Herbivore enclosures, too, reflected the same thoughtful care. The Mouse Deer Breeding Centre was draped in shade nets, and zebras strode across padded enclosures insulated with straw and gunny rolls to protect them from cold-induced injuries.
But the most charming touches perhaps came from tradition. Neem leaves crackled and smoked in elephant moats and giraffe shelters — a natural remedy against mosquitoes and a gentle way to temper the chill. The zoo had even adjusted its mechanical systems to suit the season — switching off air-conditioning in the Nocturnal Animal House from November to February to allow a natural warmth to settle in.
To boost immunity, every creature, from carnivore to herbivore, received extra nutritional care. Their meals and water were fortified with B-complex and calcium — a quiet but crucial part of winter survival.
For the keepers and veterinarians, this wasn’t just about maintenance; it was an act of compassion paired with science. Every heater, every handful of straw, and every covered roof spoke of a deep understanding of animal behavior and needs.
As the city’s winter lingered, the hum of life at the Nehru Zoological Park continued with warmth at its core — literal and emotional. In protecting their wild residents so tenderly, the zoo staff not only showcased their expertise but also reminded visitors that care, in all its forms, is a universal language — one that even the smallest squirrel monkey or the mightiest tiger can understand.
–Rashmi Kumari
