Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is located in Vandalur, a southern suburb 30 kilometers from the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport on GST Road. Founded in 1855, the Park was the first public zoo in India. It is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India. The zoo is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. [ [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Now_jumbo_trips_at_Vandalur_Zoo/articleshow/2962809.cms Animals and birds in Vandalur zoo] ]

History

Originally called the Madras Zoo, it was situated in People's Park near Park Town. By 1975, the zoo had expanded and had to be moved out of the city. In 1979, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1300 acres (5.2 km²) on the outskirts of the city to build the current zoo, which is one of the largest in South Asia. The zoo is named after renowned Tamil politician, Arignar Anna.

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. However, there are only 5-7 vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people.

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. [ [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Now_jumbo_trips_at_Vandalur_Zoo/articleshow/2962809.cms Elephant safari in vandaloor zoo] ]

Transportation

The place is well connected both by road and rail. Public buses 21 G (Vandalur to Broadway), 60 T (Tambaram to chengalpet) are notable route names servicing the visitors of the zoo. Chennai Suburban rail has a convenient stop named "Vandalur" which is walkable distance from the zoo. Taxi is a preferred mode of transport for those not comfortable with public transport.

Gallery

ee 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

External links

* [http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/wildlifenbirdsanctuaries/zoo.asp Vandalur Zoo profile]
* [http://www.cza.nic.in/history.html History of Zoos in India]
* [http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/WLTMisc.htm Zoo stats from Tamilnadu Forest Department]