SALEM: Salem's only zoological park at Kurumbapatti, established in 1981 on the foothills of the Shevaroyan Hills, continues to wait for its long-promised upgrade to a medium-sized zoo, even as works are under way and funds released. The state government had first announced the upgradation in 2020 with an allocation of Rs 8 crore.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, regulates all zoos in the country and grants recognition based on set criteria.
Under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992, a medium zoo must spread over at least 50 hectares, housing a minimum of 500 animals from at least 35 species, and record 5-7.5 lakh visitors annually. Kurumbapatti falls well short of these benchmarks.
Spread across 31.73 hectares, the park currently houses 285 animals from 21 species, with annual footfall of three-four lakh. On festive days and holidays, the zoo attracts around 3,000 visitors per day, while weekends draw between 500 and 800.
Of the 21 species, there are 10 birds, seven mammals, and four reptiles.
Based on the categories of International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN), there are four vulnerable species — sambar deer, Indian star tortoise, bonnet macaque and marsh crocodile. Five are near threatened species — the grey pelican, painted stork, alexandrine parakeet, Indian rock python and red-eared slider — while the rest fall under the least concern category.
A few exotic introductions, including cockatiels, budgerigars and red-eared sliders are also featured, while the other 18 species are native. Medium-sized zoos are also expected to house endangered species, but Kurumbapatti Zoo currently does not have any.
District Forest Officer of Salem Division, Kashyap Shashank Ravi, said a master plan for the upgradation had already been sent to the CZA. "They have sought some changes, which we are addressing. Expansion of area is also essential, so land acquisition is under way. Construction of new enclosures has started, and we are in touch with other zoos to bring large carnivores such as tiger, leopard and sloth bear. Nearly Rs 5.5 crore of the Rs 8 crore sanctioned has been spent. If all goes well, the park may be upgraded within six months," he said.
Forest Range Officer of Kurumbapatti Zoological Park R. Sasikumar added, "For a zoo to be upgraded, the CZA requires it to have a minimum of 35 species. At present, we have only 21 species and we are working to improve the collection."
As a medium zoo is expected to have a full-fledged veterinary hospital, one has already been constructed inside the premises.
At present, Tamil Nadu has only one recognised medium sized zoo — the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology at Mahabalipuram. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is also expected to be added to this list in about six months.