Do you love visiting Zoological parks? If yes, this blog is for you, as it takes you to the details of the famous Arignar Anna Zoological Park, otherwise known as Vandalur Zoo, one of India’s largest and most well-maintained zoological parks. Located in a place called Vandalur, on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the zoo spans over a whooping 1,490 acres and serves as a major wildlife conservation, research, and education center. Let us get into the details.
Why Vandalur Zoo is rated the best Zoological Park Chennai?
Established in the year 1985, the famous Anna zoological park is home to a different collection of species, including mammals, birds, scary reptiles, and colorful amphibians, representing both native and exotic wildlife. The Vandalur Zoo is renowned for its close-to-nature enclosures, which are designed to simulate the animals’ natural habitats, promoting their well-being and encouraging natural behaviors. It plays a very important role in the conservation of world’s endangered species and is also a popular destination for educational programs, offering visitors and school students an opportunity to connect with and learn about wildlife conservation and animal care.
The Veterinary team at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, comprises of a chief Veterinary Officer, two Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (on deputation from the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department), a lab assistant, and two other support assistants. This dedicated team performs daily rounds across all the zoo enclosures, assessing the health and hygiene of the animals, birds, and reptiles without mistake. In cases of illness, depending on the severity, the animals are either isolated in an in-patient ward or treated in the animal house and are closely monitored and cared for. The park is equipped with a fully functional zoo hospital that includes all major laboratory facilities and a spacious quarantine unit for newly acquired, young or potentially contagious animals.
The dedicated team of veterinarians also ensure that the quality and quantity of animal feed meets the expected standards. Additionally, Arignar Anna Zoological Park offers a fantastic veterinary internship training program in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University (TANUVAS) and other veterinary colleges in South India. International students from the universities in Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C. (USA) also participate in the exposure visits. During these internships, students gain practical experience in wildlife health management, restraint techniques, disease prevention, nutrition, feed analysis, and safety protocols to be followed. The zoo hospital’s capacity and readiness for emergency and critical care, paired with its advanced state of the art infrastructure and skilled staff, also provides unique externship opportunities for international wildlife medicine students.
Health care and Vaccination for the animals
To maintain good animal health, the veterinary team follows a strict prophylaxis regimen. Prophylactic deworming of all mammals, birds, and reptiles is conducted quarterly (April, July, October, January). Animals falling in the Big cats category such as Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, White Tigers, Leopards, and smaller felines are vaccinated annually against diseases like Feline Panleucopenia, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus, and Rabies. Additionally, Triquin medicine is administered as a preventive measure to Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Wolves, Jackals, Hyenas, and Wild Dogs every three months. Wolves, Striped Hyenas, and Jackals are also vaccinated annually against Canine DHLPPi and Rabies. Arignar Anna Zoological Park photos will remain as an unforgettable memory for you to cherish.
Bovine species like Gaurs and Nilgai are protected from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Black Quarter, and Hemorrhagic Septicemia, while elephants receive vaccines for Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Tetanus, and Anthrax. The surrounding zoo villages benefit from annual ring vaccinations against FMD, Black Quarter, Hemorrhagic Septicemia, and Anthrax, carried out by the state Animal Husbandry Department before the Northeast Monsoon, as it is the time when Chennai experiences heavy down pour. Moreover, ectoparasiticidal sprays (Deltamethrin and Cypermethrin) and monthly disinfection of carnivore enclosures with flame guns ensure the cleanliness and safety of the animal habitats, making the zoo one of the well-maintained animal parks in the country.
Key points to remember before planning a visit to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park tickets is specified as follows. The Entry ticket for children below 12 yearsis charged at Rs 50, and the Entry ticket for adults is Rs 200 per head.
- Visitors have to walk 15 to 20 kilometers inside the zoo in order to complete their visit. Vandalur zoo inside walking distance should be kept in mind before you plan a visit to the zoo.
- Battery-operated vehicles available for rent for those who cannot walk long distances, making it extremely helpful for the senior citizens to enjoy their visit.
- Homemade food allowed in the dining area near the parking, and is strictly restricted only to that area. You cannot carry snacks or soft drinks inside the zoo.
- Restaurants, canteen, and food stalls available at the designated places, with sign-boards warning not to litter around the zoo. Best Resorts Near Chennai facilitates a trip to vandalur zoo with family.
- Extra fee of Rs 25 is charged for carrying a camera phone, also you need to obtain proper permission from the zoo authorities.
- There is a proposed increase in vehicle charges for lion and deer safari, which might go around Rs 150 for adults in the zoological park Chennai.
- Ample parking space for your personal vehicles is available inside the zoo and you can find it in a second lot next to the zoo rescue centre.
- Vandalur zoo timings for visitors is from 9 am in the morning to evening 5 pm on all days and the zoo is closed on Tuesdays.
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Visiting the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is not just an opportunity to witness different kinds of wildlife, but also a chance to understand the importance of wildlife conservation and animal care. As visitors, we must support initiatives the Tamil Nadu state government takes to protect such endangered species and their habitats. By raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for wildlife protection, we can also do our part by contributing to the well-being of our planet and its precious inhabitants. Let’s cherish and protect our wildlife for the generations to come, failing which will make them see only in pictures. Resorts in Chennai are always helpful for you to enjoy the magnanimous zoo with your friends and family by providing a comfortable stay with awesome food.