CHENNAI: It’s hot. Really hot. But oddly enough, inside the gates of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the temperature is a few notches cooler. Whether it’s because of the expansive tree cover or the feel-good vibes, it’s certainly a huge relief from the scorching heat. And the walk inside brings back a school bus of memories, along with parched throats and fast-declining stamina as ‘safari’ vehicles loaded with families pass us by.
By the way, if you want to clock in a workout and a date where the primary expense will be cold water, that’s killing two birds with one stone. (We wouldn’t dare say that near the aviary.)
If you’re bored of spending weekends at the malls or if you’ve had an overdose of multiplex mojo after Captain America and Suriya’s 24, perhaps a stroll in Vandalur Zoo is just what you need this weekend. Ready, steady, po?
Be a Keeper for a Day
Moms, don’t get worried. Your 12-year-old will be handling turtles, NOT Tigers. The animals that fall under this programme include terrestrial birds, raptors and tortoises. Open every day of the week between 9 am and 5 pm, this is an activity for the whole family and needs to be booked at least a day in advance.
Log on to aazoopark.in
Too Sexy for My Stripes
When you’ve got it, flaunt it right? Brooding, slipping into the pool for a mid-afternoon dip and at one point scaring the whiskers off our photographer with a leap and roar at the fence between us, were some of the fond memories we’ll take away from watching this fair lady up close. Green eyes, long legs, perfect teeth — this is one female you don’t want ‘pouncing’ on you if you disagree!
Stick Your Neck Out For a Friend?
If these birds knew how to take a selfie, they would look so fly! With those long necks, imagine the angle possibilities. Except, as any ostrich will tell you, despite the wings — they can’t. Fly, that is. Instead, they use their feathers as sunshades and effective rudders to change direction while running. So quick tip from the ostrich occupancy at Vandalur: if you can’t wing it, swing it
When You Don’t Need Swimming ‘Trunks’
Three showers, one elephant. Sounds about right? If you’re headed to the zoo this summer, this is a must-see. Not to mention, it’s perfectly timed to cool your senses in the sweltering afternoon heat, between 3 pm and 4 pm. Of course, it’s tempting to ask the keepers of the three elephants if these massive animals are opening to ‘shower sharing’ for a few minutes. For the lack of booty space though, the answer is probably going to be a broad No
Hip Hop Hippo Momma
Weighing over 1,000 kg as adults, hippopotamus are probably too heavy to dance. LOL. But this bond between mommy and calf will happily break any weighing scale. Spotted on the far side of their sandy enclosure in this typical follow-the-leader snapshot, we just want to say to the fierce and fab lady up front: happy belated Mother’s Day!
How Long Does It Take To Get Your Zoo-Tastic Workout?
Between the sun, sweat and sips of water, you could consider making your walk in the wild, a jog in the wild. With 602 hectares of open space and everything from panthers to porcupines to sight along the way, we guarantee that you won’t miss your treadmill