Delhi Zoo’s Deer Enclosure At Risk Of Being Flooded; Authorities Put Monsoon Action Plan Into Place

As the capital prepares for heavy rain, the National Zoological Park is putting a plan into action to prevent flooding inside and outside animal enclosures, especially the deer holding,  which is at the highest risk of flooding. From identifying areas prone to waterlogging to clearing drainage pipes, here’s what Delhi Zoo is doing to ensure its animals stay safe this monsoon season.

Delhi Zoo Puts Monsoon Action Plan Into Place

Home to over 1100 animals across 95 species, Delhi Zoo has endangered animals like the Asiatic lion, the Indian wolf and the one-horned rhinoceros. A report by Hindustan Times sheds light on Delhi Zoo’s monsoon action plan. With a 66-year-old history, Delhi Zoo sits across 176 acres of land. During the monsoon season last year, the zoo faced a 2-day-long power cut towards the end of June. This happened because of waterlogging that damaged a transformer.

Due to this incident, many animal enclosures were flooded last year. While the monsoon is expected to hit Delhi on June 27, the showers will start pouring from June 24. Ahead of the monsoon, Delhi Zoo authorities have put their monsoon plan into action. Delhi Zoo Director, Sanjeev Kumar, informed HT about the zoo’s pumping system. He said that the existing ones were repaired and tested. Moreover, new ones have been ordered.

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Deer Enclosure At Risk Of Flooding; Authorities Take Preventive Actions

The zoo has also deployed additional staff around the clock to pump excess water and prevent it from entering the zoo’s premises. As the city is hit by heavy rains, the staff will continue to pump out the water. Allowing it to accumulate creates a waterlogging risk, which may endanger the animals in the zoo. Enclosures that are at higher risk of being flooded have also been identified. Mainly enclosures of deer and herbivorous animals. Soil mounds have been developed around these specific enclosures to ensure animals have a higher ground in case of flooding.

Delhi Zoo has created new rain sheds, repaired existing ones, cleaned drainage channels and used waterproof sheets in feeding platforms for the creatures. The National Zoological Park’s staff have been given umbrellas, torches and gum boots. Essential medicine for the monsoon is also kept handy.

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The comprehensive monsoon action plan at Delhi Zoo is an attempt by authorities to prevent waterlogging both inside and outside animal enclosures. A previous report by HT stated that this zoo is also undergoing a multi-crore revamp. This includes developing glass walls, improving natural enclosures and facilitating better amenities for animals.

Meanwhile, Delhiites, will a trip to Delhi Zoo be on the cards for you this monsoon season?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Tamar Dunduar