The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is located in Vandalur, on GST Road. Vandalur is about 8 km from Tambaram and about 33 km from Chennai Central Railway Station. Founded in 1855, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park was the first public zoo in India.
About Arignar Anna Zoological Park :
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is situated at Vandalur, which is about 35 km from the city of Chennai. Arignar Anna Zoological Park originated within Chennai city near Park Town in the year 1855. But due to expansion, it was moved out of the city in 1877.
In 1979, the zoo was shifted to Vandalur Reserve Forest which gave it the name ‘Vandalur Zoo’. Vandalur Zoo was renamed as Arignar Anna Zoological Park after the famous Tamil politician, Arignar Anna.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which was opened to the public in 1985, is considered among the largest zoos in South Asia. The zoo is home to more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Some of the species spotted in the zoo are barking deer, sambar, blackbuck, nilgai, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, babboon, llama, otter, tiger, jaguar, star tortoises, etc.
Lion Safari Park and Deer Safari Park are the other major attractions of this zoo where the animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Elephant Safari is also very popular. Nocturnal Section, Reptile Section, aquarium and library are the other features of Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Attractions Within Anna Zoological Park :
Inside the zoological park, more than 170 species of mammals, aviaries and reptiles are exhibited. Some of the prominent animals inside the zoo are Barking Deer, Blackbuck, Sambar, Sangai, Nilgai, Wolf, Hog Deer, Jackal, Hyena, Otter, Llama, a number of Monkey species like Nilgiri Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque, Baboon, Hanuman Langur and Leaf-capped Langur. Besides the above-mentioned animals, there are tiger, Panther, Lion, Jaguar, Elephants, Giraffes and Camels. Elephant ride; Lion safari vehicle and battery-operated vehicles are some of the facilities available inside the zoological Park.
An interesting part of the zoological park is the educative information boards inside. Besides a variety of animal life, there’s plenty of environment related information inside the zoo. Near every enclosed space, there are stone boards displaying information regarding the zoological name, feeding, mating and breeding habits of the animals. Trees, inside the Park, also display their botanical names and other details.
Features Arignar Anna Zoological Park In Chennai :
The key features of the park include the wild animal species (more than 170 species), Lion Safari, Elephant Rides and Battery Operated Vehicle Rides.
The animal species inhabiting the park include species like Tiger, Lion, Panther, Jaguar, Elephants, Giraffes, Camels, Barking Deer, Sambar, Blackbuck, Nilgai, Sangai, Hog Deer, Wolf, Jackal, Hyena, Llama, Otter, Lion-tailed Macaque, Baboon, Hanuman Langur and Leaf-capped Langur, etc. The zoo also maintains a library with great collection of wildlife related books and information.
History Arignar Anna Zoological Park :
Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India, which was started in 1855. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park was established for public viewing in a limited area near Chennai Central Railway station. As the city grew, many animals started getting diseases due to growing urbanization, smoke and sound pollution. Hence a plan was prepared in 1976 to maintain these animals in good simulated condition. According to the plan the Tamilnadu Government gave the project to the State Forest Department to construct the park. According to Government instructions, the Forest Department selected in the Vandalur Reserved Forest, an area of about 510 hectares near Chennai City and started the work in 1979, with an initial amount of Rs. 7.5 crores. Most of the works were completed in 1985.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Location :
Located on Chennai’s GST road, the Arignar Zoological Park offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, not to mention a cool respite from the summer heat. Sprawled over 602 hectare of lush greenery, the zoological park is home to over 46 endangered species that once roamed the jungles of Western Ghats. Special features of the zoo include an Asiatic Lion enclosure, which can be explored on a 15-minute lion safari, this in addition to the Nocturnal Animals House, Reptile House, Aviary, Pre-historic Animal Park, Zoo school and a lake. The lake opens up bird-watching opportunities, what with migratory birds such as storks, ibis, herons and egrets visiting in winter months.
It is located amidst lush greens in the southwest regions of Chennai, at Vandalur. It lies on the Chennai-Tiruchi Highway, which is also popular as the GST Road.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Direction :
The zoo is just a few kilometers from the city’s airport and metropolitan area. You can avail the public buses which run every day from the city to the park. Opting for the railways is another convenient option as the station is just a kilometer away from the park’s main entrance. If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is Meenambakkam.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Exhibits :
Within the park’s periphery, more than 80 enclosures exist which is inhabited by birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in species above 170. Huge revenue is generated by these exhibits which include safaris, butterfly house, sanctuary aviaries, aviary walks, reptile house, amphibian house, crocodile enclosure, primate house, mammal house, aquarium etc. Some of the exhibits in this zoological park include blackbucks, barking deer, wolves, leaf-capped langur, sambar, sangai, jackal, hyena, lion, Hanuman langur, giraffe, nilgai, tiger, jaguar, barking deer, hog deer, panther, camel, otter, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, llama, elephant, baboon etc.
It also houses many endangered and rare species of chimpanzee, monitor lizards, Nilgiri macaques, Bengal tiger, lemur, vulture, white tiger, star tortoises, Muscovy duck etc. To see some of the exotic species like cassowary and emu, you will have to come to this Chennai zoo. Not just rare and exotic fauna, it abounds in more than thousands of flora spread over the zoo.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Education :
As a part of the initiatives taken by the zoo for conservation and rehabilitation of animals, a number of educational and awareness programs are held for teachers and students. Two of the zoo outreach and teacher training programs for are:
- Zoo Club Volunteer Programme
- Animal Keepers Training Programme
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Other Facilities :
A host of facilities has been provided for the comfort and convinience of the travelers.
- To make your trip to the park comfortable, a number of battery operated vehicles have been stationed here which can be availed if you are not willing to walk through the vast expanse of the park.
- For satiating your craving for food, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has set up numerous snack bars where you can freshen up.
- There are plenty of well-maintained restrooms for the comfort of the travelers.
- The environment is secure as it has several patrolling security services officers.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Admission :
Till 5 years of age: Entry Free
Children – 5 to 12 years of age : Rs. 10
12 years of age and above: Rs. 20
Days:
The park is open from Wednesday to Monday.
Closed: Tuesday
Hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park Contact :
Address: Vandalur, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu – 600048, India
Ph: 044-22751089
Fax: 044-22750741