Vandalur Zoo tightens up infrastructure

CHENNAI: The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur is monsoon ready. As a precautionary measure, authorities have vaccinated all animals to prevent outbreak due to stress and other factors when monsoon peaks.

Top officials told Express that the past one year was difficult as cyclonic storm Vardah inflicted heavy damage in terms of green cover loss. More than 10,000 trees fell in the business area alone, which is accessed by tourists.

The park has lost over 15,000 trees. Though there was no significant structural damage to enclosures or other buildings, authorities conducted an internal assessment. Sources said the Chennai zoo administration has requested the Public Works Department to conduct a detailed analysis of all enclosures to check and do structural reinforcements, whereever needed. A proposal has been forwarded, but is said to be moving at a snail’s pace, sources said.

Spread across 602 hectares, the zoo houses a whopping 2,378 animals, including mammals, birds and reptiles. Open safaris for deer and lions, Otteri lake, an elephant bath area and white tigers are among the attractions.

The entire network of 28 percolation ponds has been desilted and the natural drainage pathways kept free from blocks to allow flood waters to flow into these ponds. Officials said that these ponds are meant to recharge the groundwater table, which is healthy even during the peak summer season. For in house utility, there are 13 open wells and two borewells from which water is drawn.

Also, a kilometre of compound wall has been rebuilt after it collapsed during Vardah. Officials said a week’s food reserve will be maintained all the time during monsoon to ensure that the animals do not go hungry. There are two captive nutrient recycled fodder banks providing 2,000kg of fodder per day. These banks will take care of food needs of herbivores.

Last year, after trees cut-off all roads, ground staff carried food and walked several kilometers to feed the animals. “Except for a few natural deaths, there was no casualty due to extreme weather events. This is because of our dedicated veterinarians and keepers,” an official said.

The authorities said the trenches in the enclosures, especially the ones housing big cats, have been dug deeper to avoid flooding and keep the animal area dry as long as possible. A total of `2.5 crore has been spent on refurbishing and restoration works.