04 May,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak Mehta
Captive big cats at SGNP are part of the Tiger & Lion Safari. Pics/Satej Shinde
As measures to beat heat intensify across the city this summer, Mumbai's most popular green space also follows with the implementation of various precautionary measures for its captive animals. Special arrangements to combat the rising temperatures have been made for captive felines at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). mid-day visited the enclosures housing the big cats, including leopards, tigers, and lions, on Saturday.
SGNP has various precautionary measures for its captive animals
The enclosures were seen equipped with air coolers, water sprinklers, shade nets, and lush greenery to help mitigate the heat. According to the forest officials, SGNP veterinarians are monitoring the felines around the clock, keeping an eye out for any minute changes in their usual behaviour and tweaking their diet to help strengthen their immunity against any potential adverse effects of high temperatures.
The Leopard enclosures are completely caged from all sides due to their being lightweight and great climbers. The enclosures of the heavyweights - tigers and lions - have a bigger area and higher cage walls with open roofs. Within these enclosures, there are two areas - the day cage (open and lush green), and the night cage (smaller and indoor).
Feline enclosures are equipped with air coolers, water sprinklers, shade nets, and lush greenery to help mitigate the heat. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
As per the park officials, during daytime, felines move freely across their enclosure, choosing to stay indoors or outside. Air coolers have been installed for the "night cages". At day cages, shade nets prevent direct sunlight, and water sprinklers help simultaneously increase growth of greens and decrease temperatures. Tigers usually like the wetness outside, while leopards keep switching through the day.
Veterinarians are monitoring the felines around the clock, along with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. "We intervene with tests and medication when we notice unusual behaviour from a feline⦠it could be a change in their appetite or the way they function physically," stated a SGNP wildlife veterinarian. "We observe or intervene with diagnostic tests and medication depending on conditions. Whenever we notice unusual behaviour from any wild feline in captivity, it could be a change in their appetite or the way they function physically", stated Dr Nikhil Bangar, veterinary officer (wildlife), SGNP. Further on dietary changes of the felines, Bangar said."
Kiran Patil, Deputy Director (South), SGNP, stated, "According to our veterinarian's opinion, we have taken these precautionary measures to ensure that our captive animals remain safe from heat strokes."
Additional general precautions include vaccination, six-monthly blood tests, quarterly fecal tests, and disinfectant use to maintain hygiene. A Kohrsolin Th (a disinfectant solution)-filled tray at the entrance acts as a disinfectant footbath to prevent contamination.
Panthera pardus (Leopard) 23
15 male
8 female
Panthera leo (Lion) 07
3 cubs
2 female
2 male
Panthera tigris (Tiger) 12
4 cubs
7 female
1 Male
These felines are part of the leopard rescue centre, and the Tiger & Lion Safari at SGNP. The safari was started in the 1990s and has since been one of its most important tourist attractions. The captive population is a joint contribution of rescued felines from the wild and felines that were born and raised in captivity.
