Take care of animals and birds in the heat

In intense heat, when humans are overwhelmed, what happens to animals and birds? Humans can take some care of domestic animals. But who will take care of the animals in the forest? Animals and birds amidst the greenery of the forest can manage themselves to some extent. But what about the local animals and birds? Especially in urban areas, there is not much greenery or water reservoirs. Zoologists have stated that animals also suffer in intense heat like humans. To survive, animals adopt their own methods. People sweat only when the temperature is close to 40 degrees Celsius; When sweat leaves the body, the body cools down. Similarly, animals take special measures to cool their bodies.

According to reports published in the media, many cows are dying due to the severity of the heat. The weight and milk production of cows are decreasing. Miscarriages are occurring suddenly in many places. Practices such as frequent bathing, keeping jute bags in tin, feeding saline and glucose, and even running fans are not helping in coping with the situation. Dairy farmers are concerned about such a crisis in dairy farms even before Eid-ul-Azha.

Farmers may take care of cows for their own benefit, but what about the condition of street dogs? Dogs have not been seen on the streets of Dhaka for days. They seek shelter wherever shade is available. They are seen dipping their mouths in dirty drains for drinking water. Birds are also suffering due to the lack of water supply in open areas of Dhaka city.

Professor Monirul H. Khan of the Department of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University says, "In intense heat, water reservoirs dry up. The source of drinking water shrinks. The scarcity of water becomes a major cause of suffering for animals. To escape the heat, animals take shelter in shaded areas or immerse themselves in water. In the case of birds, they wet their wings and feathers to cool down. If there are eggs, the parent bird covers them with shade using its body or feathers. They even bring water to keep the eggs cool by wetting their bodies. However, in intense heat, birds are now panting all day long. In Dhaka city, the number of trees is decreasing, so they cannot even find shelter in the shade of trees. In this situation, many people are keeping water for birds on their balconies. But there is a shortage of food for animals. Birds may find shelter to rest as they can fly, however, what about captive animals?

On Saturday (April 27) in Kantaban, it was seen that the caged animals were panting in the intense heat. Vendors arrange fans for animals but there is no relief. Unable to bear the heat, the dogs, cats and birds are screaming and running around in the cages. Many shops keep the cages in the open to give some relief, but the animals are not calm. As a result, the shopkeepers are in extreme trouble with the animals.

The situation of captive animals in zoos is also alarming. Journalists have reported after visiting the zoos in Chittagong and Dhaka that captive animals in the intense heat are panting heavily. They are also not eating properly.

According to a news report published yesterday, Monday (April 29th), poultry and livestock are perishing in the scorching heat. The Bangladesh Poultry Association informed the media that within 10-12 days after Eid-ul-Fitr, more than 10 lakh broilers, layers, and Sonali chickens have died in the country. Among them, 80 percent were broiler chickens. The total loss amounts to around 200 crore taka. Farmers have reported that the death toll has further increased in the past few days.

Together, the economic and human losses due to the heat have become substantial. The government has not yet declared a state of emergency, but we are already in a state of crisis. Therefore, everyone needs to be extra vigilant. Just as we take care of ourselves and our families, we must also take care of the well-being of the people around us. Similarly, we should take care of the animals and birds around us. Remember, only humans can take the initiative to provide assistance to vulnerable animals as their friends.