Forest Minister K T Pachamal on Wednesday inspected the development works being carried out in the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as the Vandalur Zoo, near Tambaram here, and inaugurated new amenities, including an interpretation centre.
The interpretation centre — housed in a spacious hall — has 45 photographs of various animals, birds and reptiles. Below the photos, information about the featured animals, birds and reptiles is provided in both Tamil and English.
The photos are in Light Emitting Diode (LED) frames. The centre also has a touchscreen information kiosk. Minister for Animal Husbandry T K M Chinnayya and Pachamal, along with top officials, flagged off seven new mini passenger vans for the use of visitors to the zoo. The zoo already has 10 battery operated vehicles.
Speaking to City Express, an official said that the kiosks had been provided with touch screen interfaces for the entertainment of school and college and school students, who could enrich their knowledge. For the benefit of visitors, a large size map of the campus is also exhibited, he added. The development works were completed at a cost of Rs 15 lakh.
Besides increasing the number of vehicles for the benefit of visitors, the enclosures for foxes has also been upgraded. “Earlier the fox habitation space was very small. Now, it has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 4 lakh. Separate enclosures have also been provided for foxes to give birth to their offsprings.”
Speaking to reporters, Pachamal said “We have stopped the night safari in the zoo as it should not create any discomfort or suffering to the animals.” When asked about the setting up of a butterfly park on the campus, he said that it was for the Central government to decide. Kancheepuram district Collector L Sitherasenan and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Gautam Dey were also present.