Rescued elephants in Mathura beat heat with ice popsicles, mud baths and special summer diet

Rescued elephants at a rehabilitation centre in Mathura are receiving special cooling care, including ice popsicles, frozen fruit blocks, curd-based diets, mud baths, and frequent access to water, as soaring summer temperatures continue across northern India.

Officials associated with the care of the animals said the 34 elephants housed at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre and Elephant Hospital Campus in Mathura are being provided shaded areas, sprinklers, and modified walking schedules to help them cope with the extreme heat.

The facility run by Wildlife SOS, is the only dedicated elephant rehabilitation centre in the region.

Dr Shankar Singh, Associate Professor at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go-Anusandhan Sansthan, told PTI that elephants are especially vulnerable during summer because of their biological characteristics.

''Elephants maintain a body temperature of around 36 to 36.5 degrees Celsius, which is close to that of humans. Even small increases in environmental heat can impose physiological stress on them,'' he said.

Singh explained that elephants have very few sweat glands and cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating. Their large body size also slows heat dissipation, while ears ear flapping helps regulate body temperature naturally.

''Access to water, mud wallowing, and shade is biologically essential for thermoregulation in elephants,'' he added.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, told PTI that the centre's summer management programme focuses on hydration, environmental enrichment, and thermal relief.

The centre currently houses 14 male and 20 female elephants, including a calf.

''Walks have now been rescheduled to early mornings and late evenings so that elephants can remain active while avoiding the harsh midday heat,'' he said.

Satyanarayan said sprinklers, regular pool maintenance, and clean drinking water areas are helping keep the animals hydrated and comfortable.

Mud wallows have also been created to allow elephants to naturally regulate their body temperature. Caretakers said the elephants often mix soil with water and spread it over their bodies to stay cool.

Dr Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services at Wildlife SOS, said the elephants' summer diet now includes frozen fruit popsicles, dalia mixed with curd, oral rehydration solution, watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, sugarcane, mangoes, and bananas.

''It is very important to ensure proper nutrition and hydration for elephants. Diets are tailored according to the condition and needs of each elephant,'' he told PTI, adding that an elephant requires nearly 100 litres of water daily.

Forest ranger Atul Tiwari said elephants naturally prefer spending time in water bodies and taking mud baths during hot weather.

''Since these elephants are not in forests, seasonal fruits and cooling foods such as bamboo, sugarcane, and watermelon are included in their diet to help them stay refreshed during the summer,'' he said.

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