Vadodara: In view of the sweltering heat, animals at the civic-run zoo in Vadodara district of Gujarat are being provided ice slabs and given diets rich in fruits and glucose to keep them cool and hydrated, officials said.

As the mercury soared over 44 degree Celsius in the district, four sparrows lodged at the Sayaji Baug Zoo in Vadodara died due to heat wave in the last few days, zoo curator Pratyush Patankar told PTI on Monday.