Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a southern suburb 30 kilometers from the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport on GST Road. The Zoo is contiguous with the Guindy National Park. Founded in 1855, the Park was the first public zoo in India. It is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India. Spread over an area of 1260 acres, it is the largest zoological garden in India and is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles in about 81 enclosures.

History

Originally called the Madras Zoo, it was situated in People's Park near Park Town. Ever since its inception in 1855, the zoo had expanded considerably, and by 1975, it had to be moved out of the city owing to space constraint and increased noice pollution due to the city's high-density traffic. In 1979, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1260 acres (5.2 km² or 510 ha) in the Vandalur Reserve Forest on the outskirts of the city to build the current zoo, which is the largest zoological garden in India and one of the largest in South Asia. The zoo in its new premises was officially opened to public in the year 1985. The zoo's ecosystem consists of dry deciduous and dry evergreen scrub forest receiving an average annual rainfall of 1400 mm. The zoo is named after renowned Tamil politician, Arignar Anna. The zoo attracts nearly 800,000 visitors annually.

Visitor information

The zoo is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm all days, except Tuesdays. All the animals, especially the big cats are back in their cages after 5.00pm. So, most tourists prefer to visit these before going on to the other exhibits.

One can easily end up walking 10-15 km across the stretch of the park. The battery-operated vehicles are also available for rent. Currently, there are about 9 such vehicles apart from 4 battery-operated vans used for lion safari. There are plans to buy 10 more battery-operated vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people. A trial program of 20 rental bicycles for visitors, including 5 for children, was launched in 2008. The bicycles are an eco-friendly option that it is hoped will reduce the high demand for the battery-operated cars. There is a restaurant, an ice cream parlor and a drinks counter - all situated near the entrance. However, there aren't too many refreshment counters within the zoo.

Elephant safari is introduced in the zoo starting from the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo. The safari is available between 9.30am and 11.30am and between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

There are also lion safari park and deer park in the zoo, and visitors could see the animals in their natural habitats. The deer park, inaugurated in September 2008, is spread over 30 hectares (about 75 acres) and has more than 100 animals including sambar and spotted deer. Other exclusive sections in the zoo include the Nocturnal section, Reptile section and aquarium. The zoo also has a library with a collection of wildlife-related books.

Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

A Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for animals has been established near the zoo on a 100-ha area nearly a decade ago. The centre, particularly for lions and tigers rescued from circuses, is home to about 45 lions and 7 tigers.

Transportation

The entrance of the zoo lies right on the 6-lane Chennai-Tiruchi Highway (National Highway 45), also known as the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road. Thus the place is well connected by both road and rail. Public buses 21G (Vandalur to Broadway), 60T (Tambaram to Chengalpet) are notable route names servicing the visitors of the zoo. Chennai suburban railway network has a convenient stop named "Vandalur" which is at a walkable distance from the zoo. Taxi is a preferred mode of transport for those not comfortable with public transport.

Gallery

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See also

• Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA), Governing Authority of all Zoos in India
• Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO), India is an NGO
• List of Zoos in India
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• List of zoos
• Animals in captivity
• Environmental enrichment
• Heini Hediger
• Zoology
• Wildlife conservation
• Biodiversity
• Endangered species
• Extinction
• Ex-situ conservation
• In-situ conservation
• List of Conservation topics

References

My Tours & Photos: Vandalur Zoo

External links

• Vandalur Zoo Website
• Vandalur Zoo profile
• History of Zoos in India
• Zoo stats from Tamilnadu Forest Department