The dip in mercury in the sub-Himalayan region in the past few days has prompted the authorities of the Bengal Safari Park, on the outskirts of Siliguri, to make arrangements for the animals so that they can keep themselves warm.

Heaters and blowers in animal enclosures have been provided. So have blankets.

The diet of animals and birds has also been changed so that they can better cope with the chill.

“We are using around 30 heaters and hot air blowers across different animal enclosures, especially in the night crawls of the royal Bengal tiger and the Asiatic black bear. The tiger cubs and a bear cub are merely four months old. Considering the dip in mercury, we have to take some extra care of them in this season. Heaters are also being used to keep them warm after sunset,” said a source at the park.

“Warm broths, extra animal protein, peanuts and honey are being provided to them along with their regular diet,” added the source.

“Animal protein and eggs have been introduced in the diet of the bears. Also, earlier, 10 kilos of meat was used to feed the tiger family. The quantity has been doubled,” an official said.

“Also, blankets and straws have been spread inside the enclosure of the primates for their comfort,” he said.

The official added that birds also needed special protection in this season.

“Apart from using heating arrangements in night shelters for the animals, we have made bamboo boxes which have been put in the aviary so that birds can take shelter in them especially from dusk to dawn. The water that is provided to the birds is mixed with honey,” the official added.

Located on the fringes of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, in a scenic location in the foothills, the park has 13 tigers, five bears with cubs, a leopard cat and leopard in the carnivorous family.

In north Bengal, it is the only open-air zoological park and is spread over an area of 297 hectares.

Apart from tiger and black bear, it has separate enclosures for primates, an open air aviary, leopard, gharial (fish-eating crocodile) and a nature interpretation centre, all of which draw thousands of visitors every day.