Aringar Anna Zoological Park is one of the largest and modern zoos of India, and the biggest in south-east Asia. Opened in 1985, the park is renowned as the single largest animal plant education center in
Tamil Nadu. Aringar Anna Zoological Park is located at
Vandalur, about 35 km from
Chennai.
Spread over an area of 510 hectares of dry evergreen forests, Anna Zoological Park has a wide range of animal collection. The main attractions are the Lion safari, the nocturnal animals’ enclosure, the reptile house, butterfly house and the aviary. The park conducts guided group tours and provides bicycles on hire for traveling around. Battery operated road trains and safari vans are also offered for tourists.
The Otteri Lake situated within the park premises extends about 20 hectares. A wide array of aquatic migratory birds such as painted stork, open billed stork, white ibis, Herons and Egrets are found here. This lake along with the gardens and lawns make the park a paradise for bird watchers.
This treasure house offers knowledge in the field of biological science, ethology, animal husbandry, biodiversity, ecology, cultural enrichment, genetics, nature conservation, captive breeding and wildlife management. A library, which functions on Mondays and Fridays, is open for reference purposes. The specialty of the zoo is that it constantly educates visitors about wildlife conservation. Separate packages are available for school and college students, teachers and other visitors.
