Zoo keepers monitoring animals

Dwindling numbers: The number of visitors to Johor Zoo had dropped since the haze hit the area about a week ago.

JOHOR BARU: Johor Zoo and the Pasir Gudang Estuarine Crocodile Sanctuary workers are keeping close tabs on the animals due to the haze.

Zoo keeper Raja Zulkifli Hassan said the 70 odd species of animals at the zoo have not shown any changes in behaviour due to the haze.

“However, we are observing them closely for any adverse reactions and will take the necessary measures, including showering them with more water frequently if needed, ” he said when met at the zoo here on Sunday.

He said that zoo workers would ensure that the animals are given plenty of water to ensure that they do not get dehydrated.

Raja Zulkifli said the number of visitors to the zoo had dropped since the haze hit the area about a week ago.

Pasir Gudang Estuarine Crocodile Sanctuary assistant manager S. Danaraj said they had been pumping more water for the crocodiles here to keep them cool.

“The haze has not affected the crocodiles. But the hot and dry weather has been drying up the pond at the crocodile shelter rapidly and we have been pumping in more water lately to make sure these reptiles will not suffer from heatstroke, ” he said.

He added that changes in weather patterns here had also affected the mating and breeding of the estuarine crocodiles in the sanctuary.

“It is supposed to be the start of rainy season, which is also the mating season for our estuarine crocodiles.

“However, the weather has yet to change and we are faced with a prolonged dry and hot season, ” he said, adding that there are now 127 crocodiles at the sanctuary.