In the scorching heat, animals too are suffering alongside humans. Those confined in cages at the zoo are enduring the worst of it. Trapped in enclosures with no way to adapt like they would have in the wild, these animals are left vulnerable as the soaring temperatures drain their strength. Experts emphasize that, in their natural habitats, animals instinctively seek shelter and cooling sources. But inside cages, they have no such freedom. This makes it vital for zoo authorities to take extra care of them during heat waves.
A visit to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur yesterday afternoon (May 10) revealed a grim reality. Despite the intense heat, there was little sign that the zoo authorities had taken any special measures to protect the animals. In fact, some of the regular cooling arrangements that are usually in place had reportedly been halted for vague reasons.
At the entrance, a large monkey enclosure stands out. Inside, there are two small pools. Yet, even in this extreme heat, only one pool had water. Monkeys were seen crowding into that single pool to cool off. Further inside, enclosures for various monkey species showed no signs of additional care. Although small basins are provided in each cage, the water in them was visibly dirty—making it impossible for the animals to bathe or find relief.
Overall, the animals appeared lethargic and lifeless, especially the zoo’s main attractions—the tigers and lions. None of them emerged from their indoor enclosures. Visitors reported that they had not seen these big cats step out at all.
Mismanagement was also evident at the lion enclosure, where a large pool stood empty. The zoo officials claimed that the lions do not enter water, so they left the pool dry. But wildlife experts dismissed this explanation as a poor excuse to avoid accountability. They pointed out that animals, just like humans, suffer in the heat. When animals stop moving around or remain still in one spot, it is a clear sign of discomfort and a need for relief.
Speaking to Bonik Barta, Dr. Niamul Naser, a professor in the zoology department at the University of Dhaka, said, “Animals suffer in the heat just like humans do. I have cats at home, and during hot days, they leave the top floor and lie flat on the stairs. That shows how distressed they are. Zoo animals are the same. They need extra care during extreme heat—adequate water, shade, even fans if necessary. Poultry farms provide these things for chickens. So why can't a zoo do the same?”
According to researchers, birds are especially vulnerable to heat. Their skin is much thinner than that of humans or larger animals. Even slight temperature increases can severely affect their ability to survive or reproduce. At the zoo, the neglect extended to the aviary as well. All seven pools in the peacock enclosure were found completely dry. The peacocks were seen resting under a small shed to escape the scorching sun.
Experts say birds need separate water sources during extreme heat. They tend to flap their wings and cool off. However, during the visit yesterday, some bird enclosures were found without even regular water. At the magpie enclosure, for instance, there was only drinking water—no separate water source for bathing or cooling.
On the day after last Eid-ul-Fitr, the pelican enclosure was found to be filled entirely with water. But yesterday, only half the area contained water while the rest was dry.
Dr. Sajeda Begum, professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University, called the lack of regular water supply for birds during such scorching weather unfortunate. Speaking to Bonik Barta, she said, “Birds and animals now need plenty of water, shade, and greenery. From our experience working in the zoo, we’ve seen that the authorities often lack compassion for the animals. We need to understand that animals outside cages can still find ways to protect themselves, but those confined are completely dependent on us. They eat only if we feed them. It’s also our responsibility to ensure they stay cool in this heat.”
When asked about the potential risks animals face during extreme heat, Dr. Md Waliur Rahman, a veterinary surgeon at the National Zoo, explained, “Just like humans, animals also suffer during intense heat. They can experience heat strokes, diarrhea, and dehydration. To prevent this, they need enough water and shade.”
But when asked why these basic provisions were missing, the zoo’s director, Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder, insisted, “We’ve arranged adequate water for the animals. We’ve provided wet sacks. We’re monitoring their care closely. We’re changing their water frequently and adding saline and vitamins to their food. Without such care, the animals wouldn’t survive this weather.”
When questioned about the half-empty pools in the monkey and pelican enclosures, he said, “If we fill both pools with water, they waste it. So we keep one side filled and leave the other empty.”
As for the peacock enclosure, where all pools were found dry, he explained, “The water was leaking, so we emptied the pools for repairs.”
Regarding the empty pool in the lion enclosure, he said, “Lions don’t go into water, so we didn’t fill it. But there is water inside the lion and tiger enclosures.”