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leader_title_2=Director|
leader_title_2=Director|
leader_title_3= |
leader_title_3= |
leader_name_1='''[[Central Zoo Authority of India]] and Tamil Nadu Department of Forests''' |
leader_name_1='''[[Central Zoo Authority of India]] and Tamil Nadu Forest Department''' |
leader_name_2=P. L. Ananthasamy|
leader_name_2=P. L. Ananthasamy|
leader_name_3= |
leader_name_3= |
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blank_value_3=800,000|
blank_value_3=800,000|
blank_value_4=Zoo: {{Convert|510|ha|acre|0}}<ref name="zoo_stats"/><br>Rescue and Rehabilitation Center:{{Convert|92.45|ha|acre|0}}<br>Total: {{Convert|602|ha|acre|0}}<ref name="zoo_stats2"/>|
blank_value_4=Zoo: {{Convert|510|ha|acre|0}}<ref name="zoo_stats"/><br>Rescue and Rehabilitation Center:{{Convert|92.45|ha|acre|0}}<br>Total: {{Convert|602|ha|acre|0}}<ref name="zoo_stats2"/>|
website =www.forests.tn.nic.in/wildbiodiversity/zp_aazp.html Arignar Anna Zoological Park|
website =http://www.aazoopark.gov.in/|
footnotes =climate<ref>{{cite
footnotes =climate<ref>{{cite
|url=http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/INXX0120_c.html?woeid=2288067
|url=http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/INXX0120_c.html?woeid=2288067
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* Ex-situ propagation of critically endangered species to prevent their extinction.<br>
* Ex-situ propagation of critically endangered species to prevent their extinction.<br>
* Wildlife Education and interpretation aimed at a wider public appreciation of wildlife.<br>
* Wildlife Education and interpretation aimed at a wider public appreciation of wildlife.<br>
* Wildlife research to promote wildlife conservation and management.
* Wildlife research to promote wildlife conservation and management.<ref name="TNFD">
{{cite
|url=http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/wildbiodiversity/zp_aazp.html
|title=Arignar Anna Zoological Park
|work=Wild Biodiversity
|author= National Information Centre
|date=2007
|publisher=Tamil Nadu Forest Department
|place=Chennai
|page=266-269
|accessdate=2011-2-5
}}</ref>

There are currently about 170 staff, against a sanctioned strength of 300.<ref name="timesofindia3"/>
There are currently about 170 staff, against a sanctioned strength of 300.<ref name="timesofindia3"/>


Line 79: Line 91:


==Facilities==
==Facilities==
Most of the exhibits in the zoo lie along the arterial circular road covering a distance of about {{convert|2.5|km|mi}}. Smaller mammals and other exhibits are located along the three inner roads covering a vast area of the park. The park area is dotted with specially created large open island-type enclosures, with wet and dry moats, hidden walls and simulated natural environment for the inmates of the park.
Most of the exhibits in the zoo lie along the arterial circular road covering a distance of about {{convert|2.5|km|mi}}. Smaller mammals and other exhibits are located along the three inner roads covering a vast area of the park. The park area is dotted with specially created large open island-type enclosures, with wet and dry moats, hidden walls and simulated natural environment for the inmates of the park.<ref name="TNFD"/>


===Wildlife Exhibits===
===Wildlife Exhibits===
[[File:Black Tiger 2010 1.JPG|thumb|The White Tiger cub that turned Black with its mother]]
[[File:Black Tiger 2010 1.JPG|thumb|The White Tiger cub that turned Black with its mother]]

The park has a total of 81 enclosures and more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles<ref name="Ramakrishnan">
The park has a total of 81 enclosures and more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles<ref name="Ramakrishnan">
{{cite
{{cite
Line 133: Line 144:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Other sections in the zoo include the Prey-predator concept enclosures (Tiger - Sambar), [[nocturnality|Nocturnal]]section, Reptile section, Prehistoric animal park, Butterfly house, Insectarium complex, and [[aquarium]] apart from an Interpretation center, Zoo school and Children's park. The zoo also has a [[library]] with a collection of wildlife-related books.
Other sections in the zoo include the Prey-predator concept enclosures (Tiger - Sambar), [[nocturnality|Nocturnal]]section, Reptile section, Prehistoric animal park, Butterfly house, Insectarium complex, and [[aquarium]] apart from an Interpretation center, Zoo school and Children's park. The zoo also has a [[library]] with a collection of wildlife-related books.<ref name="TNFD"/>
[[Image:Birds Enclosure in Vandaloor Zoo.JPG|thumb|Aviary at Arignar Anna Zoological Park]]
[[Image:Birds Enclosure in Vandaloor Zoo.JPG|thumb|Aviary at Arignar Anna Zoological Park]]
[[Elephant]] safari was introduced in the zoo in the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo.<ref name="timesofindia"/>
[[Elephant]] safari was introduced in the zoo in the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo.<ref name="timesofindia"/>
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A {{convert|1.5|acre|m2}} walkthrough [[aviary]] opened in 2010 at a cost of about INR 2 million. The aviary initially housed about 13 species of birds including [[kingfisher]], the [[rose-ringed parakeet]], the [[red-whiskered bulbul]], the [[white-browed bulbul]], the [[Alexandrine parakeet]] and the [[common Myna]]. The birds are grouped into three catogories – lower, middle and upper nesting varieties – and include [[parrots]], [[cuckoos]], [[pigeons]], [[cocktails]], [[bulbul]]s and [[woodpeckers]]. The aviary is covered by a large [[steel]] and [[nylon]] net, providing the birds a natural, open-sky effect, and has a tiled footpath lawned by [[Zoysia matrella |Korean grass]] and a variety of plants to maintain the [[humidity]] level.<ref name="worldzootoday"/><ref name="worldzootoday2"/>
A {{convert|1.5|acre|m2}} walkthrough [[aviary]] opened in 2010 at a cost of about INR 2 million. The aviary initially housed about 13 species of birds including [[kingfisher]], the [[rose-ringed parakeet]], the [[red-whiskered bulbul]], the [[white-browed bulbul]], the [[Alexandrine parakeet]] and the [[common Myna]]. The birds are grouped into three catogories – lower, middle and upper nesting varieties – and include [[parrots]], [[cuckoos]], [[pigeons]], [[cocktails]], [[bulbul]]s and [[woodpeckers]]. The aviary is covered by a large [[steel]] and [[nylon]] net, providing the birds a natural, open-sky effect, and has a tiled footpath lawned by [[Zoysia matrella |Korean grass]] and a variety of plants to maintain the [[humidity]] level.<ref name="worldzootoday"/><ref name="worldzootoday2"/>


The zoo's [[ecosystem]] consists of dry [[deciduous]] and dry [[evergreen]] [[scrubland|scrub]] [[forest]] receiving an average annual [[rain|rainfall]] of {{Convert|1400|mm|in}}. The terrain is a gentle undulating one.
The zoo's [[ecosystem]] consists of dry [[deciduous]] and dry [[evergreen]] [[scrubland|scrub]] [[forest]] receiving an average annual [[rain|rainfall]] of {{Convert|1400|mm|in}}. The terrain is a gentle undulating one.<ref name="TNFD"/>


===Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre===
===Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre===
Line 170: Line 181:
|accessdate=2011-2-5
|accessdate=2011-2-5
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

Please respect the zoo rules:
*Don't not feed the animals
*Help us keep the park clean
*Avoid smoking inside the park
*Alcohol drinks are prohibited
*Religious preaching and distribution of notices is not allowed
*Don’t cause injury to the animals.<ref name="TNFD"/>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>



<ref name="timesofindia">
<ref name="timesofindia">
Line 346: Line 364:
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>

}}
}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.zoocheck.com/Reportpdfs/Indianreport1.pdf THE INDIAN ZOO INQUIRY] A Review of Conditions in the Zoos of India, Compassionate Crusaders Trust & Zoocheck Canada
{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{Official|http://www.aazoopark.gov.in}}
*{{Official|http://www.aazoopark.gov.in}}

Revision as of 05:25, 6 February 2011

Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
(Vandalur Zoo)
Zoological Park
Established1855 (as Madras Zoo)[1]
1985 (in current location)
Websitewww.forests.tn.nic.in/wildbiodiversity/zp_aazp.html Arignar Anna Zoological Park
climate[2]
Vandalur Zoo entrance

Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Tamil: அறிஞர் அண்ணா உயிரியல் பூங்கா), also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb 31 kilometres (19 mi) south of the city of Chennai, India and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) 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 602 hectares (1,488 acres), including a 92.45-hectare (228-acre) rescue and rehabilitation center.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the largest zoological garden in India and the home of seven white tigers. It houses more than 170 species of animals in about 81 enclosures.[5] There are about 47 species of mammals, 63 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, 25 species of fishes, and 10 species of insects in the park.[6]

History

In 1854, Dr. Edward Balfour, then director of the Government Central Museum at Madras, persuaded the Nawab of the Carnatic to donate his entire animal collection to the museum. This attracted large crowds and became the nucleus of the Madras Zoo, which was founded in 1855. Dr. Belford started the Zoo on the museum premises, and it was later transferred to the Madras Corporation and shifted to 'People’s Park' near Central station at Park Town in 1861 as it was growing. The municipal Zoological Garden occupied one end of the 116 acres (47 ha) park and was open free to the public.[7][8]

By 1975, the zoo could no longer expand, and it had to be moved out of the city because of space constraints and increased noise pollution due to the city's high-density traffic. In 1979, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1,265 acres (512 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 South Asia and one of the largest in the world. Work started in 1979 at an initial cost of INR 75 million, and the zoo in its new premises was officially opened to public in the year 1985 by the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu M.G. Ramachandran. In 2001, 92.45-hectare (228-acre) of land next to the park was acquired to build a rescue and rehabilitation center for confiscated and abandoned wild animals. With this addition, the total area of the zoo is 602 hectares (1,488 acres).

The zoo is named after Tamil politician Arignar Anna. The zoo attracts nearly 800,000 visitors annually.

Management

The main objectives of the park are:

  • Ex-situ propagation of critically endangered species to prevent their extinction.
  • Wildlife Education and interpretation aimed at a wider public appreciation of wildlife.
  • Wildlife research to promote wildlife conservation and management.[9]

There are currently about 170 staff, against a sanctioned strength of 300.[10]

Overall management of the zoo is vested in the Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park. The Director is also the Member Secretary of The Zoo Authority of Tamil Nadu, which started functioning from 1 April 2005 and comprises the following members.

  • The Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department (Chairman)
  • The Secretary to Government, Finance Department (Member)
  • The Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department (Member)
  • The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu (Member)
  • Vice–Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Member)
  • Director, Department of Environment (Member)
  • Commissioner, Tourism Department (Member)
  • Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu (Member)

Facilities

Most of the exhibits in the zoo lie along the arterial circular road covering a distance of about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi). Smaller mammals and other exhibits are located along the three inner roads covering a vast area of the park. The park area is dotted with specially created large open island-type enclosures, with wet and dry moats, hidden walls and simulated natural environment for the inmates of the park.[9]

Wildlife Exhibits

The White Tiger cub that turned Black with its mother

The park has a total of 81 enclosures and more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles[11] including 46 endangered animals of the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats and the Indian subcontinent such as the Nilgiri macaques, as well as other rare species including monitor lizard, chimpanzees, european brown bear, muscovy duck, giraffe, bengal tiger including some white tiger, lemur, macaque, vulture, and star tortoises. The park contains about 138 plant species, including cashew and eucalyptus.

The zoo houses 2,553 species of flora and fauna across 1,265 acres (5.12 km2). It has a high rate of success in captive breeding of lion-tailed macaques. In 2010, the zoo had 22 lion-tailed macaques, from a breeding pair that were brought to the zoo in 1983.[10]

Animals at the park as of 30 June 2005 include:[12]

Group Number of species Number of animals
Mammals 46 430
Birds 62 534
Reptiles 29 351
Amphibians 5 72
Fish 21 265
Total 163 1657

As part of the park's development plan, safari parks for lion, gaur and deer have been created on a hilly terrain covering an area of 70 hectares (173 acres), and visitors can see the animals in their natural habitats. The lion park has been developed in an area of 30 hectares (74 acres) at a cost of about INR 2.358 million and is operational since October 1990 providing the visitors a 15-min drive into the safari. The deer park was opened in 2008. It covers more than 30 hectares (74 acres) and is home to more than 100 animals including sambar and spotted deer.

In February 2011 the zoo began construction of a large new tiger cage. The new cage, will be 13 metres (43 ft) tall at its highest point and 11 metres (36 ft) wide, enough for four adult tigers at a time. It will have separate entries for animal keeper K. Chelliah and the tigers. Solar-powered lights will illuminate it and it will have a sloping roof and good ventilation.Of There are 15 tigers in the zoo, seven of which are white tigers, eight year old white tiger Bhishmar, two year old tigresses Narmada and Akanksha, their mother, seven year old Anu, and her second set of cubs: Sembian, Indira and Valli.[13]

Other sections in the zoo include the Prey-predator concept enclosures (Tiger - Sambar), Nocturnalsection, Reptile section, Prehistoric animal park, Butterfly house, Insectarium complex, and aquarium apart from an Interpretation center, Zoo school and Children's park. The zoo also has a library with a collection of wildlife-related books.[9]

Aviary at Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Elephant safari was introduced in the zoo in the summer of 2008. Visitors can travel on elephants for a tour around the zoo.[5]

A 1.5 acres (6,100 m2) walkthrough aviary opened in 2010 at a cost of about INR 2 million. The aviary initially housed about 13 species of birds including kingfisher, the rose-ringed parakeet, the red-whiskered bulbul, the white-browed bulbul, the Alexandrine parakeet and the common Myna. The birds are grouped into three catogories – lower, middle and upper nesting varieties – and include parrots, cuckoos, pigeons, cocktails, bulbuls and woodpeckers. The aviary is covered by a large steel and nylon net, providing the birds a natural, open-sky effect, and has a tiled footpath lawned by Korean grass and a variety of plants to maintain the humidity level.[14][15]

The zoo's ecosystem consists of dry deciduous and dry evergreen scrub forest receiving an average annual rainfall of 1,400 millimetres (55 in). The terrain is a gentle undulating one.[9]

Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

With the banning of training and exhibition of five species of animals, namely, lion, tiger, panther, bear andmonkey enforced by the Government of India in 1998, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for animals has been established with the assistance of the Central Zoo Authority near the zoo on a 92.45-hectare (228-acre) area in 2001. The area was acquired from the research wing of the Tamilnadu Forest Department in continuity with the fodder bank of the zoo with an assistance of INR 14.598 million. The centre provides temporary and long-term care for confiscated and abandoned endangered animals, such as lions and tigers rescued from circuses, and is home to about 32 lions and 7 tigers.[11] It has a capacity to house 40 lions and 20 tigers. It also has a reptile house and an aviary.

Water Management

Otteri lake inside the zoo, covering about 7 hectares (17 acres), serves as the main source of water for all the needs of the zoo. The zoo currently requires about 200,000 litres (53,000 US gal) of water a day. Water usage includes drinking, bathing animals, cleaning enclosures and keeping the areas around them cool. Most of the present requirement is met by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD). The rest comes from 13 open wells, 5 borewells and the lake. The zoo plans to set up rainwater harvesting systems, including small bunds and check dams, to tap the excess water during monsoon.[16]

Heat Management

The soaring temperature in Chennai, especially during summer, demands extra care for the inmates of the zoo. As part of the several measures towards heat management, all animal enclosures have thatched roofs on the top and fresh river sand has been spread on the floor to make it cooler for the animals. Water is sprinkled on the sand to provide some cool relief to the animals. Caves that are exposed directly to the sun are put under a shower twice a day. The enclosure for the king cobra has an air conditioner fitted, since the species cannot stand the summer heat.

Visitor Information

Electric vehicle at Vandalur Zoo
A walkway at the zoological gardens

The park has tree-lined macadamized paved paths for long treks inside the zoo, as visitors can easily end up walking 10 to 15 km during a visit to the park. Battery-operated vehicles are available for rent. Currently, there are about 9 such vehicles in addition to the 4 battery-operated vans used for the lion safari. There are plans to buy more battery-operated vehicles. Each vehicle carries 15 to 20 people, and each trip takes about an hour. 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 will hopefully reduce demand for the battery-operated cars.[17] An e-bike facility was also inaugurated on 20 February 2010.

There is a snack bar run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC)[14], an ice cream parlor and a drinks counter - all near the entrance. However, there are not many refreshment counters within the zoo. The park is about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Tambaram. Entrance to the zoo is from the Chennai-Tiruchi Highway (National Highway 45), also known as the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road. Public buses from the park include A18 (to Broadway), B18 (to Korukkupettai), PP66 (to Poonamallee), PP70 (to Avadi), 114 (to Red Hills), 170A (to Madhavaram) and 170T (to Kaviarasu Kannadasan Nagar). Other buses which go to Guduvanchery, Chengalpet, Maraimalai Nagar, Mahendira City, Thiruporrur and Mamallapuram also stop at the zoo. The Chennai suburban railway network has a stop named "Vandalur" about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the main entrance of the park.[3]

Entry fee is Rs. 15/adult, Rs. 10/child. Timing is 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily except tuesday closed. Phone: 91-44-22397150. All the animals, especially the big cats, are back in their cages after 5.00 pm and most tourists prefer to visit them before going on to the other exhibits.[18]

Please respect the zoo rules:

  • Don't not feed the animals
  • Help us keep the park clean
  • Avoid smoking inside the park
  • Alcohol drinks are prohibited
  • Religious preaching and distribution of notices is not allowed
  • Don’t cause injury to the animals.[9]
  • Animals at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park
  • Baboon
    Baboon
  • Birds enclosure
    Birds enclosure
  • Wild Migratory Birds visit every season
    Wild Migratory Birds visit every season
  • Crocodiles sun-bathing
    Crocodiles sun-bathing
  • male Crocodicle
    male Crocodicle
  • Zebra
    Zebra
  • Spotted Deer
    Spotted Deer
  • Elephants being fed
    Elephants being fed
  • Falcon
    Falcon
  • Gaur or Indian Bison Bull
    Gaur or Indian Bison Bull
  • Hyena
    Hyena
  • Leopard
    Leopard
  • Indian lions
    Indian lions
  • Domestic peafowl
    Domestic peafowl
  • White Stork
    White Stork
  • Bengal tiger
    Bengal tiger
  • Indian star tortoise
    Indian star tortoise
  • Zebra
    Zebra
  • Walkways
    Walkways

See also

References

  1. ^ "History of Zoos". cza.nic.in. Central Zoo Authority. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  2. ^ Climate records
  3. ^ a b "Zoo stats". forests.tn.nic.in. Tamilnadu Forest Department. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  4. ^ "General Information". aazoopark.gov.in. Tamilnadu Forest Department. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  5. ^ a b Madhavan, D. (19 April 2008). "Now, Jumbo Trips at Vandalur Zoo". indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  6. ^ "About Fauna". aazoopark.gov.in. Tamilnadu Forest Department. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  7. ^ Vernon N. Kisling (2001), "Zoological Gardens of India", Zoo and aquarium history: ancient animal collections to zoological gardens, CRC Press, p. 266-269, retrieved 2011-2-5 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ Menon, Priya M. (16 August 2008). "Vandalur zoo celebrates silver jubilee". indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  9. ^ a b c d e National Information Centre (2007), "Arignar Anna Zoological Park", Wild Biodiversity, Chennai: Tamil Nadu Forest Department, p. 266-269, retrieved 2011-2-5 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ a b Madhavan, D. (6 February 2009). "Vandalur zoo boasts of rare species, but reeks of poor maintenance". indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  11. ^ a b Rohini Ramakrishnan (2010-8-23), "Operation Wild Rescue", The Hindu, Chennai: Kasturi & Sons Ltd, retrieved 2011-2-5 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  12. ^ "Zoo Inventory". aazoopark.gov.in. Tamilnadu Forest Department. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  13. ^ D Madhavan (2011-2-4), Modern cage for white tigers in zoo, Chennai: Times of India, retrieved 2011-2-5 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  14. ^ a b "Walkthrough aviary at Vandalur zoo". worldzootoday.com. World Zoo Today. 21 February 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  15. ^ "Now, an aviary in Vandalur Zoo". worldzootoday.com. World Zoo Today. 21 February 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  16. ^ Madhavan, D. (16 August 2010). "Rainwater harvesting systems for Vandalur zoo". indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  17. ^ Oppili, P. (27 June 2008). "Hire a cycle and explore Vandalur zoo". hindu.com. The Hindu. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  18. ^ V Subburaj (2006), Tourist Guide to Chennai, Chennai: Sura Books, p. 11, retrieved 2011-2-5 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  • THE INDIAN ZOO INQUIRY A Review of Conditions in the Zoos of India, Compassionate Crusaders Trust & Zoocheck Canada

Media related to Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Wikimedia Commons

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