Elephant rehabilitation center in southern India introduces overhead foggers to combat heat stress
by ShravyaIn a groundbreaking initiative to combat heat stress, the Forest Department in southern India’s Tamil Nadu has installed overhead foggers at the Elephant Rehabilitation Center, successfully bringing down temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
The incident took place at the Tiruchirappalli Elephant Rehabilitation Center in Tiruchirappalli District and the video went viral on May 31.
Visuals showed at the Elephant Rehabilitation Center, numerous overhead foggers were installed on the roof, gently spraying water over the elephants. This created a cooling mist, allowing the elephants to feel a refreshing chill during the hot summer months, enhancing their comfort and well-being.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has implemented a new cooling system at the Trichy Elephant Rehabilitation Center to protect its residents from the intense summer heat. Overhead foggers have been installed throughout the facility, resulting in a significant temperature drop of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the outside atmospheric temperature. This innovative approach ensures that the center’s elephants remain cool and comfortable during the scorching summer months.
The initiative was spearheaded by District Forest Officer (DFO) Kritiga and veterinarian Dr. Kalaivanan, whose dedicated efforts have made a substantial impact on the well-being of the elephants. The foggers work by releasing a fine mist of water into the air, which then evaporates and cools the surrounding environment.
“Heat stress can have severe consequences for elephants, affecting their health and behavior,” explained Dr. Kalaivanan. “By installing these foggers, we are able to create a more hospitable environment for the elephants, improving their overall quality of life.”
The fogging system not only reduces the temperature but also helps maintain adequate humidity levels, which is crucial for the elephants’ skin health. Visitors and staff at the center have already noticed the positive effects of the new cooling system, observing more active and content elephants.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to enhance the living conditions of elephants in rehabilitation centers across the state. With the success of the fogging system in Trichy, similar installations are being considered for other centers.
As the summer progresses, the overhead foggers at the Trichy Elephant Rehabilitation Center will continue to play a vital role in keeping the elephants cool and stress-free, setting a new standard for animal care and welfare.
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