In what has been billed as an attempt to create good social relations among animals and to avoid the possibility of their developing bad habits while living independent, the authorities of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur have for the first time brought animals together as a group.
The exercise will also help visitors enjoy watching a large group of animals together at the same time.
As part of the exercise, white tigers, Bengal tigers, leopard, rhinos, small bears and chimpanzees have been grouped in their enclosures.
Before the actual grouping, animals were kept in separate cages placed one next to the other and veterinarians observed their mutual vibes. They were later left in enclosures in groups. The grouping is expected to help them develop a social life.
In all, there are 1,390 animals of 143 species at the park.