ARIGNAR ANNA ZOOLOGICAL PARK (AAZP), Vandalur.

Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India in the year 1855. This was later
shifted from Madras(Chennai) city to Vandalur reserve forest and a modern zoological park was established in 1979 by the Tamil Nadu state government forest department and was inaugurated by the then Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India in 24/07/1985.

This zoo spreads over an area of 602 hectors of dry evergreen forest with gentle undulating terrain, the AAZP is the biggest zoo in India. This zoo is specially designed open, wet, and dry moated island type enclosures simulating natural habitats of the animals are unique to this zoo. This modern zoo is announced has plastic and litter free zone and also it is one of the most scientifically managed zoos of India.

MISSION OF THE ZOO

The mission of ARIGNAR ANNA ZOOLOGICAL PARK(AAZP) is to encourage people to develop a caring attitude towards flora and fauna to serve as a dynamic nature conservation centre by promoting breeding programmes for rare and endangered species of western and eastern ghats and to offer excellent service, re-creation, Eco-awareness and education.

VISION OF THE ZOO

• Conservation of the fauna and flora of eastern and western ghats.
• Conservation of breeding of the rare and endangered species of the region.
• Creating opportunities for education and awareness amongst masses.
• To carry out research on animal biology and ecology.
• Strengthen linkage between ex-situ and in-situ conservation.
• To provide scientific health care to animals through informed veterinary procedures and protocols.
• To provide facility for rehabilitation of rescued animals.
• To develop zoo into referral center on wildlife information.

ZOO LANDSCAPING

The animal house, chain link fence, dry and wet moat camouflaged by ameliorative work present a view of natural wildlife setting. The zoo ambience is enhanced by minimizing artificial features and increasing natural vegetation.

ZOO ARCHITECTURE

Exhibition of animals were based on taxonomic and zoo geographical distribution which has now been replaced by ecological niches and habitats. The use of moats has made it possible to have a panorama of wildlife like predators and prey can be housed in one extended enclosure.

RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES COLLECTIONS





The ex-situ centre exhibits 45 sheduled species which are identified as rare and endangered animals.





CO-ORDINATED BREEDING CENTRE

The central zoo authority (CZA) of India. has identified the centre as co-ordinating zoo in co-oridinated breeding programme for Lion Tail Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Gaur, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Wild Dog.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

The captive centre offers opportunities to the different faculty of students to fulfill their graduation and the zoo hospital encourages the analysis of various parameters of captive population.

AQUARIUM





Another attraction is the shark model aquarium where there visitors enter and exit through gills. The aquarium houses 31 species of fresh water fishes in spacious, well lit glass tanks. The aquarium is surrounded by a pond with different varieties of fishes and watching these is a feast to the eyes.






BIO-CENTRE

One of the major attraction is the bio-centre(terrestrial walk through aviary) in a moist deciduous habitat and bamboo thickets and tree cover that houses many species of reptiles, amphibians and birds like red vented bulbul, koels, pheasants, peacocks etc.,

BUTTERFLY HOUSE


The butterfly house constructed at a cost of 60 lakhs is the new invertebrate attraction in the zoo. Over 25 host plants have been carefully selected and planted to attract large array of butterflies. Some of the species commonly seen are blue Mormon, lime butterfly, crimson rose, mottled emigrant, dark blue tiger, evening brown etc.,



RESCUE AND REHABILITATION CENTRE

Rescue and rehabilitation centre was established in an area of 92 hector taken from the research wing of Tamil Nadu forest department in configulity with the fodder bank of AAZP. The purpose of this facility is to house rescued animals.

SNAKE MODEL SERPENTARIUM


Visitor's entry into the serpentarium is through the mouth and exit through the tail. The serpentarium has 24 enclosures well enriched and houses different types of snakes. The King Cobra enclosure is fitted with AC to eat the heat in summer and this particular enclosure in the main attraction to the visitors in the serpentarium.



ZOO SCHOOL

The park has formulated innovative conservation education and awareness programmes for teachers, students and general public(Detailed info discussed below). teacher training , zoo out reach & volunteers programs are important events in the zoo.

ZOO CLUB VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

The zoo encourages the students for enrolment of zoo club volunteers to assist on visitor surveys, animal behaviour, study, animal house maintenance, animal health care assistance, zoo sanitation and zoo store keeping.

ANIMAL KEEPERS TRAINING PROGRAMME

This training programme is provided to upgrade the knowledge of keepers on skillful zoo management and vital strategy to provide informed, supportive and participating management and also to overcome shortage of manpower and logistic problems.

ANIMAL HEALTH CARE AND VETERINARY CARE

This wing is most vital for disease prevention and promotes health care management of captive population. This health care maintenance concept drastically varies with the conventional veterinary treatment which focuses only on diagnosis and treatment of individual diseases. The zoo veterinary hospital has well equipped operation theatre, in-patient ward, radiology unit, laboratory, convalescent yard fully functional to cater the needs of complete animal health care. The modern diagnostic laboratory has facility for periodic coprological examination, identification of causative organism, antiobiotic, sensitivity, pregnancy diagnosis, hematology, serology and urinalysis.

VISITOR AMENITIES

The zoo has all essential basic facilities for the visitors to make their visit an exciting experience. The trees and large crown of foliage protect the visitors from hot sun. Rest sheds, lawns, benches, are provided adequately to prevent the visitor from exhaustion. battery operated vehicles and road trains facilitate the easy mobility of visitors to animal enclosures and enable maximum coverage. Hand drawn chairs for physically challenged and prams for children are also available.

STAFF WELFARE

Periodical health camps and eye check-up camps are organized for the benefit of animal keepers and other staff. These camps are conducted in association with government hospitals, missionaries, trusts and agencies.

ZOO GUIDE

An informative and illustrative guide has been developed in collaboration with the centre for environment education Ahmadabad providing zoo ethics and comprehensive information including road map to the animal enclosures and visitor amenities.

ZOO NEWS LETTER

The zoo news letter launched in 2000 is an useful source of current news and developments occurring in the zoo. Efforts are being made to publish this on regular intervals.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE : www.aazoopark.gov.in