CHENNAI: In an effort to make the wild more safe and secured for the wildlife, the authorities have installed surveillance cameras in vantage points in the Arignar Anna Zoological Park popularly known as Vandalur Zoo near here.
‘Check polluters, track men and women ‘exceeding the limit’ and support birds, reptiles and mammals to live peacefully,’ was how an official described the decision to install cameras in the zoo.
Now, cameras have been installed in six different locations in the park. The devices are similar to those put up in arterial intersections in the city. PL Ananthaswamy, zoo director, said more devices would be put up at places where there are huge congregations of people in the coming weeks.
Asked if the cameras would be put up throughout the park, the top official said that it was the objective. “It will be done in a phased manner, and it would cover locations including the Lion safari route.” Stimulated by the all pervading calmness in the wild, sprawling over 600 hectares, many teens and young men and women misbehave going far beyond just ‘caressing.’ Also, despite a ban, many visitors manage to take plastic bags inside and throw it away at the animals or near their habitats which pose a threat. The cameras are likely to lend a helping hand to officials to maintain decorum besides halting polluters.
Asked if the spy instruments would be put up in the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, as several animals had died in the recent past, a senior employee said it may happen soon. The devices could help monitor animals better even in the absence of attendants.
“These devices could help instill a sense of better care towards the animals among employees,” he said adding the fear of being monitored would help produce better results.
Chennai, which has the distinction of setting up the first zoo in the country in 1855 may also be the first to install surveillance cameras.