Arignar Anna Zoo, commonly known as Vandalur Zoo, is one of the largest and most outstanding zoos in South and Southeast Asia. It is spread over 1,490 acres of land and has a residence of over 2,300 animals of 172 species, playing an important role in wildlife conservation, education and public participation. The story of this wildlife sanctuary in the outskirts of Chennai dates back to the 19th century.
The origins of the zoo date back to 1855, when Edward Balfour, director of the Central Museum of the Madras government, proposed a series of live animals for public display. Inspired by the educational value of the newly established museum, Balfour envisions a space that can inform and entertain the public.
Nawab’s private collection
With the support of Carnatic’s Nawab, donating his private animal collection, the zoo started with over 300 animals in its first year. Initially, this small Menagerie Hindu On October 31, 1955, although modest compared to the London Zoo, which was founded in 1822, this was an important step for the region.
As the number of animals increases, museums become impractical. Residents in the neighborhood began to complain about the noise and attracted attention in terms of hygiene and safety. In 1861, the Madras government decided to move the animals to the People’s Park near Chennai Central Railway Station. Five years later, the zoo was managed by the Madras Company and stayed there for more than a century. However, by the 1970s, the city zoo had been struggling. Limited space and increased pollution in nearby industries and infrastructure means animals need a more suitable environment.
In the early 1970s, the Tamil Nadu government began to find a new location. It considers several areas including Guindy, Pallikaranai and Nanmangalam. Ultimately, it selected the Vandal Reserve Forest based on the recommendations of the committee led by Reuben David, a famous zoo expert in Ahmedabad. The natural landscape of the hills and frosted forests of the site is considered ideal for open zoos.
Posted in Hindu On September 30, 1973, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet made a decision to transfer the zoo to Van Darur. It said: “Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said it was estimated that it would cost between Rs 25,000 to Rs 3,000, related to the work of establishing a zoo in the new place.”
In 1979, the AIADMK government approved the new zoo project for Rs 3 crore with a Phase I budget of Rs 1,050 crore. Plans were developed to acquire additional land, bringing the total area to more than 814 acres. Water supply is a major issue that is addressed through procurement of nearby municipalities and local wells.
Open transport fence
In preparation for the relocation, a transit wall was built on Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road and a feed bank was established. The zoo is designed based on international best practices. In 1981, Director S. Subbarayalu Naidu and Deputy Director N. Ramesan visited the UK and Europe to study the modern zoo layout. Architect Raja Singh created the master plan, which was completed by the Tamil Nadu Architecture Company.
By 1982, the first fence was ready and the animals began to arrive from the old company zoo. A total of 155 animals, including mulberry novels, macaws, hippos and zebras, were carefully moved to their new homes. The roads and roads are paved and a thoughtful “Preat Prodenter” theme is introduced with the natural terrain of Chinna Kunnumalai Hilllock, which allows viewing of the fence while walking along a circular path in the design. In July 1984, water supply from the access to the city of Arandul finally began to flow into the park to support the zoo’s infrastructure.
On July 24, 1985, the new zoo was unveiled by Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and named after his political mentor CN Annadurai. A year later, the entrance was designed by famous film art director P. Angamuthu, like a rocky mountain with a waterfall and cave entrance, with an ambient jungle sound that adds an immersive style to visitors. In 2001, Arignar Anna Zoo expanded its mission by establishing a rescue and rehabilitation center for abandoned or confiscated wildlife. An additional 92.45 hectares of land was acquired and the zoo grew to over 600 hectares, enhancing its role as a needy wildlife shelter.
Fully equipped veterinary center
Recently, efforts have been made to restore Lake Oterry in the park. As part of the Tamil Nadu wetland mission, the project improves the water capacity of the lake, improves habitats for residents and migratory birds, and benefits the surrounding ecosystems as the biodiversity of local flora and fauna increases. Now the zoo has a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation center, and since the veterinary center is equipped with advanced facilities, it is treated for wildlife injured or troubled across the state.
publishing – April 22, 2025 at 10:39 pm IST
