| Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur Zoo | |
|---|---|
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 Interactive map of Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur Zoo | |
| 12°52′45″N80°04′54″E / 12.87917°N 80.08167°E /12.87917; 80.08167 | |
| Date opened | 1855; 170 years ago (1855) (asMadras Zoo)[1] 1985; 40 years ago (1985) (in current location) |
| Location | Vandalur,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India |
| Land area | 602 ha (1,490 acres) |
| No. of animals | 2,389 (2022) |
| No. of species | 178 (2022) |
| Annual visitors | 2.05 million (2018–19) |
| Memberships | Central Zoo Authority World Association of Zoos and Aquariums |
| Website | www |
Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as theVandalur Zoo, is azoological garden inChennai, India. It is located atVandalur in the south western part of the city, about 32 km (20 mi) from the city center. It is spread over an area of 602 ha (1,490 acres) and is amongst the largest zoos in South Asia. The park is open for public viewing.
It was established byEdward Balfour in 1855 asMadras Zoo in theMadras Government Museum premises and was amongst the earliest zoos in the country. As the zoo expanded, it was shifted toPeople's Park inPark Town in 1863. For the want of space for expansion, theGovernment of Tamil Nadu intended to move the zoo to the Vandalur reserve forest in 1979. The zoo was opened to public on 24 July 1985, and is named after earlierchief ministerAnnadurai.
It is affiliated with theCentral Zoo Authority of India, and is managed by the Tamil Nadu Zoo Authority. The park exhibits various animals that are segregated based on thetaxonomic classification. The animals are usually displayed in open enclosures with concrete walls andmoats separating them from viewing areas. As of 2022[update], the park housed 2,389 animals across 178 species. The park has a specialised display area fornocturnal animals, aserpentarium, anaquarium, anamphibian house, a pre-historic park, abutterfly park, aprimate house, and a walk-throughaviary. There is a wildlifesafari which operates within the park.
The park run its ownveterinary hospital, which is involved in disease screening, treatment andvaccination. The zoo runs various educational and outreach programmes. It also engages in research activities, aimed at conservation and understanding animal behaviour. The zoo serves as a captive breeding center and a coordinating zoo for the breeding programmes for endangered species as per the National Zoo Policy enacted by the government. There is a rescue and rehabilitation centre spread over an area of 92 ha (230 acres) which houses abandoned and rescued animals.
Edward Balfour established theMadras Government Museum in 1851. He established a menagerie in the natural history section of the museum with a liveleopard andtiger.[2][3] As the number of visitors to the museum increased during the live exhibition, Balfour started a small zoological park in the museum premises in 1855. He persuaded thenNawab of the Carnatic to donate his entire animal collection to the museum.[2][4] This became the Madras zoo and was one of the first zoos to be established in the country.[5] It housed a collection of nearly 300 species of animals and birds by the next year. As the zoo expanded, it was shifted toPeople's Park inPark Town in 1863.[4] In 1876, the zoo was spread over an area of 116 acres (47 ha) and was open to the public for free viewing. The zoo exhibits included aorangutan,two-horned rhinoceros,Malayan tapir, andblack headed gull.[2]
By the late 1970s, the zoo was surrounded by the city and had limited space for expansion.[6][7] In 1973, theGovernment of Tamil Nadu constituted a team to plan for the relocation of the zoo to a new location within the next five years.[8] With the handing over of a part of the land occupied by the zoo to theIndian Railways for the expansion ofChennai Central, the zoo was planned to be shifted toGuindy temporarily in 1978.[7] In 1979, theTamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1,100 acres (450 ha) in theVandalur Reserve Forest on the outskirts of the city to build a new premises for the zoo.[6][9] The state government planned for the construction of a new zoo at a cost of₹30 million (equivalent to₹770 million or US$9.1 million in 2023).[7][10] The land consisting of shrubs andeucalyptus trees was re-planted.[6]
In 1980, the state government approved the layout for the zoo and issued additional order to expand the park to by 38.74 acres (15.68 ha).[7][8] In 1981, designs were made for the animal enclosures, with the first enclosures completed in 1982. The first animals were moved to the new premises in the same year.[7] The construction of footpaths, roads, staff quarters, and aveterinary hospital were completed in 1983. In 1984, water was diverted from thePalar to augment the water supply. The zoo was opened to public on 24 July 1985, and was named after earlierchief ministerAnnadurai.[7] The park was expanded in 2000 by 92 ha (230 acres) to 510 ha (1,300 acres) with the addition of a rescue center and school.[11] In 2011, the park underwent a major renovation costing₹32.5 million (equivalent to₹67 million or US$790,000 in 2023) with the expansion of animal enclosures. It also involved the addition of a new entrance, lawns, interactive displays, souvnier shop, ticketing and visitor centers.[12][13] The Otteri lake in the premises was also cleaned, and improved.[14] As of 2024[update], the park spans 602 ha (1,490 acres) and is amongst the largest zoos inSouth Asia.[5][15]
The main objectives of the park areex-situ conservation ofendangered species, wildlife education, and research forwildlife conservation and management.[5] The zoo aims to maintain a viable and healthy population of animals in naturalistic enclosures while facilitating public visitation.[16] It is affiliated with theCentral Zoo Authority,[17][18] and is a member ofWorld Association of Zoos and Aquariums.[19]
The Tamil Nadu Zoo Authority was established with the chief minister as the chairperson in 2004 for the management of the zoo.[20] The overall management of the zoo is headed by a director, who is assisted by deputy and assistant directors.[21] The director is answerable to the governing board.[22] The deputy director is responsible forinfrastructure,animal breeding and exchange,training, andresearch. The assistant director overseeshorticulture,electricity,water supply andpublic utilities, visitor facilities, and upkeep of animal enclosures.[23] A team of fiveforest rangers are responsible for the maintenance and safety of various designated areas of the park. Threebiologists are responsible for research and exchange, training, and record keeping.[24] The zoo has a team of veterinarians, and animal keepers, apart from other administrative and support staff.[25]
The zoological park is located along the eastern side of theGrand Southern Trunk Road atVandalur in the south-western part of theChennai Metropolitan Area, about 32 km (20 mi) from the city center.[5][26] It is spread across 602 ha (1,490 acres) of rocky terrain withalluvial soil.[5][21] The park has a small hillock towards the center which gently slopes in an east–west direction.[27] The altitude ranges between 31 and 147 m (102 and 482 ft) with an average elevation of 50 m (160 ft).[21][28] The park experiences atropical climate with average temperatures on 26 °C (79 °F) and highhumidity due to its location close to the coast.[27][28] The summers are hot and humid with the highest temperatures recorded in May–June with an average maximum of 36.10 °C (96.98 °F). The temperatures are lowest in December with an average minimum of 21.68 °C (71.02 °F). The park receives most of its rainfall from thenortheast monsoon during October–November.[27] The average annual rainfall is about 140 cm (55 in).[28]
The park is located within the Vandalur reserve forest. The original landscape consisted of sparsescrub forests consisting ofCarissa,Gmelina,Eugenia,Acacia, andIntsia with intermittent dryevergreen vegetation.[5][28] The vegetation included a fewcashew andeucalyptus trees. Much of the original vegetation was preserved apart from necessary deforestation for the construction of various facilities and roads. The original vegetation was augmented by newly planted dry evergreen trees. About 138 plant species have been recorded in the park.[27] The park experiences amicro climate, different from the surrounding areas due to its dense vegetation.[27] The Otteri lake is situated on the north-western side within the park and acts as a roosting ground for aquatic migratory birds. The lake attracts more than 10,000 migratory birds every year. The lake consists of plantedBarringtonia trees, which serve as roost for the birds.[29]
The main entrance of the park is located towards the south west along the Grand Southern Trunk Road. The entire campus is enclosed by a compound wall.[27][30] Close to the entrance, there is a children's park on one side and lawns on the other side. The enclosure ofwater fowl is located close to the children's park next to theprimate section, followed by the terrestrial birds. A circular pathway takes the visitors to the interior of the park around the hillock. The enclosures for thecarnivores are situated on the top of the hill with theherbivore exhibits along the slopes. Lower down the road are two smaller loop sections with one consisting of thebear enclosures and the other accommodating the walk-throughaviary. The bear section leads to thelion safari at the north east corner of the zoo.[31]
Back on the main circular road, thereptile section is situated next to the road leading to the pre-historic animal park. It is followed by the enclosures for largemammals such aselephants,hippopotamus, andrhinoceros. Thenocturnal animal enclosure is situated further down the road, followed by enclosures forostrich,giraffe,zebra, andkangaroo. The circular road ends at theaquarium which leads the towards the exit. Recreational facilities for the visitors are spread across the park. The kitchen, animal quarantine and breeding facilities, veterinary hospital and stores are situated away from the visitor areas on the southern side of the park.[31]
The animals are segregated and placed based on thetaxonomic classification and geographic distribution except for specialized requirements such as water dwellers and nocturnal species. The enclosure dimensions and designs are customised basis the requirement of various species. The enclosures consist of various vegetation as favored by the species exhibited.[31] Separate feeding areas and night shelters have been constructed along the enclosures. The animal viewing areas are open with concrete walls andmoats separating them from the animal enclosures. The various animal enclosures also separated by adequate space and vegetation. Vegetation is also used to camouflage concrete structures for aesthetic appeal.[32] As of 2022[update], the park housed 2,389 animals across 178 species.[33][34]: 50
| Class | Species | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Mammalia | 45 | 504 |
| Birds | 94 | 1,473 |
| Reptiles | 39 | 412 |
| Total | 178 | 2,389 |
Theungulate herbivore animals are enclosed in open paddocks with suitable tree species, equipped with separate feeding areas.[35] Other mammals such astiger,lion,bear,leopard,jaguar,fox,jackal,hyena,wild dog, andwild ass are housed in appropriate enclosures with open yards.[36][37] Theelephants are enclosed in large open space covering 25 ha (62 acres).[5]Hippopotamus are housed in enclosures with open pools.[38] Other large animals such asrhinoceros,giraffe, andzebra, are displayed in open enclosures separated by moats.[39] Plans for night viewing of specific animals in the park was mooted in 2007.[40][41] It was planned to be implemented by 2011 at a cost of₹40.2 million (equivalent to₹90 million or US$1.1 million in 2023).[42][43] The zoo authorities completed the construction of appropriate enclosures for these animals and planted saplings around the night safari area. After multiple delays, the plan was scrapped by the state government in 2011.[44][45]
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As part of the park's development plan,safari parks were established for lion and deer inside the park.[46][47] The lion safari is spread over an area of 20 ha (49 acres) of scrub forests.[48] The entire safari area consists of 147 acres (59 ha), which encloses a deer park consisting of species such assambar deer, andspotted deer.[49] The park authorities planned to create a safari for animals such asgaur andbear.[50] The proposed safari was to be created on the 18 ha (44 acres) of the hilly terrain within lion safari area.[51] The plans were not implemented due to the low population of these species in the zoo.[52]
The primate house houses variousprimates such asNilgiri langur,lion-tailed macaque,chimpanzee,savanna baboon,tufted capuchin, andred-handed tamarin.[34]: 50 [15][53] It consists of artificial perches, and swings to support the primates.[32] Thenocturnal animals section houses seven species includingslender loris,porcupine,civet, andowls.[39][15][54] It is modeled based on a cave ecosystem with glass enclosures, and was renovated in 2024 with better ventilation and light control.[54] The pre-historic animal park consists of life size models ofdinosaurs.[5]
Water fowl such asblack swan is enclosed in open water pools.[32] The bird section is sub divided into two based on geography: Indian and exotic. The Indian section consists ofgalliformes such aspeafowl,jungle fowl,spurfowl,partridge, andpsittaciformes such asparakeet. Typical bird enclosures have about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) soil depth for vegetation with appropriate resting and nesting areas.[55] The walk-through aviary was renovated and opened in 2010.[56] The free flight aviary covers an area of 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) and was built at a cost of₹2 million (equivalent to₹4.5 million or US$53,000 in 2023).[57][58] The enclosure is covered by 15 m (49 ft) tall large steel nets which give access to sunlight. It consists of lawns, fruit bearing trees, mud baths, and fountains. Trees with holes and heaps of stones have been provided for nesting.[58][59] The aviary is amongst the biggest such facility in a zoo in the country.[60] Aquatic birds such asducks,cranes,storks,pelicans,ibis,herons, andhornbills are enclosed in large covered aviaries with flowing water and sparse vegetation cover.[55][15] In 2024, the wetland birds enclosure was upgraded with a chain-link mesh enclosing a 18 m (59 ft) high dome, with wooden platforms for birds.[54] The exotic enclosure consists ofpheasants,cockatoos,macaws, androsellas.Flightless birds such asemu,cassowary, andostrich are housed in open enclosures.[55]
The reptile house consists of reptiles such astortoises,turtles,monitor lizards,iguanas, and separate facilities forcrocodiles, andsnakes.[61] Theserpentarium built at a cost of₹0.4 million (US$4,700) in 2012 exhibits snakes in enclosures with fiber glass facades.[15][62] The serpentarium exhibits various poisonous and non-poisonous snakes such ascobra,viper,sand boa,python, andanaconda.[34]: 50–55 [63] The crocodile enclosure houses various species in enclosures with pools.[38] These includegharial,mugger crocodile,saltwater crocodile, andspectacled caiman.[34]: 50–55 [64][65] Some of the animals have been donated by theMadras Crocodile Bank.[38]
The park was the first in the country to have a captive display of amphibians.[15][66] The amphibian house consists of eight glass fronted tanks and exhibits various species offrogs andtoads such asIndian tree frog,common Indian toad,Indian bullfrog,Indian cricket frog, andIndian pond frog.[67][15]
The aquarium is modeled in the shape of an open mouthedshark.[31] It exhibits 31 species offresh water fishes and aquatic creatures.[39][15] The Otteri lake within the premises of the park also hosts various fishes.[68]
The butterfly park and insect museum spans 2.7 ha (6.7 acres) along the western side near the Otteri lake, and was constructed at a cost of₹50 million (equivalent to₹85 million or US$1.0 million in 2023).[69][70][71] It was designed by theTamil Nadu Agricultural University.[72][73] It is shaped in the form of acaterpillar stretching 60 m (200 ft) in length and 26 m (85 ft) in width, enclosing various species of plants to support the insects. It has a 6 m (20 ft) high roof made of transparent poly-carbonate sheets for natural lighting, and is enclosed in a stainless steel mess.[71][74] The park displays more than 80 species of butterflies includingcommon Mormon,crimson rose,mottled emigrant,blue tiger,evening brown andlime butterfly.[70][71] Apart from the exhibit, about 45 species of free ranging butterflies have been recorded in the park.[75]
TheCentral Zoo Authority has designated the park as a captive breeding center for various species, and a coordinating zoo for the breeding programmes forendangered species as per the National Zoo Policy enacted by the government.[76][77] The park also undertakescross-breeding as part of itsconservation efforts.[78] Selected individuals born in captivity are released in the wild after adequate training.[79] Separate breeding enclosures are maintained for select species with appropriate food and habitat to promote breeding.[80] The park has successfully bred various species includingostrich,[81]Asian palm civet,[82]gaur,[83][84]dhole,[85][86]Asiatic lion,[87]Nilgiri langur,[88]lion-tailed macaque,[89]hippopotamus,[90][91]Bengal tiger,[92][93] andleopard.[94] The park is also involved in breeding various species of reptiles such ascrocodiles,[95][96] andpythons.[97]
The animal enclosures are designed as per the requirements of the animals housed. It includes isolated withdrawal areas, and artificial elements such as nests, perches, swings amongst others.[98] The vegetation in the enclosures are maintained appropriately and the animal housing facilities are sanitised periodically withdisinfectants to reduce chances of infections.[98] The zoo maintains aveterinary hospital at the south eastern corner of the premises, staffed by three veterinarians.[99] The hospital has asurgical facility,diagnostic laboratory,radiology unit, and aphysiotherapy ward. There are in-patient recovery and isolation wards attached to the hospital.[100] The hospital stocks various medicines for animal care, and other essentials such asanti venom for human emergencies.[101] The hospital is also involved in screening of animals, and zookeepers for diseases, andvaccination.[102] In July 2013, an ambulance facility was established for transporting animals.[103] The zoo personnel are subject to various training activities to take care of animal handling.[104] In March 2013, a blood transfusion performed on a 10-year-old hyena marked the first successful blood transfusion done for a wild species in an Indian zoo.[105]
Animals are provided food as prescribed by theIndian Veterinary Research Institute.[106] They are fed in specifically designed feeding areas, and kraals.[107] Animals such as bears are provided with hidden feed points to encourage exploration and foraging.[108] The feeding is done with limited human contact, and the areas are often hidden from visitor areas.[109][110] The stores and kitchen are located away from the visitor areas.[111] As incidents of infighting amongst animals have been reported, isolation facilities are provided for certain species in case of infighting or diseases.[112][113] As the zoo experiences higher temperatures during summer, the zoo maintains elaborate vegetation to provide relief to the animals.[114][115] The animal enclosures are provided with thatched roofs covered with leaves and wet bags, river sand on the floor, and water sprinklers for cooling.[100][116] Food such asporridge,buttermilk,succulent plants, andfruits are served to the animals.[117][118][119] Certain enclosures are air conditioned for temperature regulation.[120] During rainy, and winter seasons, appropriate shelters and bedding are provided for shielding from rain and cold.[121]
The zoo has a rescue and rehabilitation centre spread over an area of 92 ha (230 acres).[21][15] With the banning of training and exhibition of certain species of animals by the Government of India in 1998, the facility was established in 2001 to house the animals recovered fromcircuses, and their previous owners.[117][122][123] The park is one of the five zoos in the country funded for the rehabilitation of these animals.[124] The center is also involved in the rehabilitation of abandoned animals,[125][126] and animals recovered from wildlife smugglers.[127]
The park is involved in various education, research and training activities.[5][15] The zoo administers a zoo school which conducts training programmes for teachers on animal conservation. The school also conducts special education programmes for school and college students on various topics such as animal behaviour, and conservation. The zoo also conducts outreach programmes aimed at education on various endangered species.[128][66] The zoo club was established in 1998, consisting of volunteers who are involved in sanitation of premises and animal education.[129][130] The zoo releases a periodic newsletter detailing the activities at the zoo.[129]
In September 2008, the park initiated an animal adoption programme.[131][132] The first animals were adopted in 2009, and the park raised₹2.3 million (US$27,000) in 2010-11 from the programme.[133][134] In 2013, a forest and wildlife museum was established near the entrance, which provides information on various organisms.[135] In April 2018, the zoo launched amobile application, and live streaming of certain enclosures as a means of education into animal behaviour.[136][137]
The park is also involved in various animal research activities. The biologists are involved in the collection of data, research and publication activities of various aspects such as animal housing, healthcare, and behaviour. The research data is utilised to promote conservation, management, and breeding of animals in the zoo.[138] In July 2008, the world's firstnon-invasivebirth control surgery onmugger crocodiles was performed in the park by the surgeons of theMadras Veterinary College at the zoo following research to control breeding.[139] In 2012, the park adopted social grouping of animals in captivity, where members of same species were kept together, to study their interaction in groups.[140] In 2017, a research and training facility was set up at a cost of₹71.3 million (equivalent to₹100 million or US$1.2 million in 2023) to conduct research on subjects such as endangered animals and their reproduction, and means to address man–animal conflicts.[141][142]
The zoo requires about 600,000 L (160,000 US gal) of water per day for drinking, bathing animals, cleaning enclosures, and cooling.[116] The major water supply comes from thePalar, and is provided by theTamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD).[143] The remainder comes from 13 openwells, five borewells and the Otteri lake within the zoo premises.[144] There are ten water tanks to store the water.[145] In 2011, the zoo constructedrainwater harvesting systems, including small bunds and check dams, to store water during themonsoon that would otherwise be lost.[146] There are three electrical substations which provide power to the zoo.[147] The zoo has back up generators to aid during power failures.[116] In 2011,solar powered lights were installed in 14 enclosures.[148] The zoo authority maintains 4.5 km (2.8 mi) of roads running through the park.[149] The zoo also encloses a staff quarters spread across 7 ha (17 acres) to house the zookeepers and support staff.[147]
The park is open for public from 8:30 to 17:30 on all days except Tuesdays, when the zoo carries out weekly maintenance work.[150] The public are charged an entrance fee, and separate fees for other facilities such as the safari.[5][34]: 10 [151] In 2018, online ticketing was introduced.[152] The visitor reception center has the ticket counters, information centre, arestaurant,cloak rooms, and anauditorium. There is a 6,400 m2 (69,000 sq ft) parking space adjoining the facility.[149]Battery electric vehicles, vehicles on rails, and cycles are available for public transit within the park.[153][154][155] An elephant safari was introduced in the zoo in 2008, providing a ride on elephants for a tour around the zoo.[156][157] Refreshment outlets operated by theTamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, restrooms, resting facilities, andfirst aid facilities are provided the public.[158][57] The zoo maintains a guest house.[159]
The number of visitors to the park vary across days and months. The visitation is higher during public holidays, and festivals.[160] The park receives maximum visitors during thePongal festival.[161] The park received about 0.72 million visitors in 1999 with gate receipts of₹4.63 million (equivalent to₹20 million or US$240,000 in 2023). The visitation substantially increased during the 2000s.[14][162][163] The visitation increased to 1.8 million by 2010–11,[164] and the park registered revenues of₹46.9 million (equivalent to₹110 million or US$1.2 million in 2023).[160][165] The number of visitations increased to 2.05 million by 2018–19.[166]: 8 During 2018–19, the zoo registered earnings of₹139.5 million (US$1.7 million) of which₹126.4 million (US$1.5 million) was from gate receipts.[34]: 13 The visitations dropped to 0.4 million in 2020-21 and 0.7 million in 2021-22 due toCOVID-19 enforced closure.[34]: 8 [167] The park reported revenues of₹92.9 million (US$1.1 million) against costs of₹134.4 million (US$1.6 million) for 2021–22.[34]: 13 The number of visitors increased in 2022 post the reopening of the zoo.[168]
In January 2002, when aleopard from the Vandalur reserve forest entered into the zoo premises.[169][170] The zoo was closed for over 45 days before the animal was trapped.[171][172] On 12 November 2007, a 13 ft (4.0 m) longreticulated python was found in a ventilator inside thepygmy hippopotamus enclosure and bit one of the animal keepers during its capture. According to the zoo officials, the python could have escaped from its enclosure when it was young, about four to five years ago, and was roaming freely inside the zoo while feeding on rodents.[173] On the night of 10 July 2010, threesand boas were reported stolen from the zoo.[174] In January 2011, 50 birds died under mysterious circumstances in the park within a month with a postmortem report revealing that they were poisoned.[175] In September 2011, a nine-feet longBurmese python was reported missing from its enclosure at the serpentarium after the animal keeper forgot to close the snake's enclosure after the weekly clean-up. On 5 December 2011, after about 3 months, the animal was captured by baiting with a chicken.[63]
On 2 August 2011, a 17-year-old male gaur was gored to death by a younger male allegedly over fight for a mate. On 20 August 2017, the same gaur also killed another 20-year-old male in the zoo.[176] On 7 August 2013, a three-year-old male white tiger succumbed to injuries suffered during a fight with its potential mate, a nine-year-old Bengal tigress, and the tigress was also severely injured following the fight.[177] A nine-year old lioness and a 12-year-old lion after contractingCOVID-19 in June 2021.[178] Out of 15 lions at the zoo, 11 tested positive forSARS‑CoV‑2.[179] Experts fromTamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University were tasked with dealing the outbreak.[180]
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