The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has announced several special arrangements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for its visitors.
The zoo will remain open on January 14, 2025 (Tuesday) to celebrate Pongal. The management, in coordination with various departments, has made comprehensive provisions to accommodate the increased number of visitors during the festive period.
Visitors can purchase tickets through online platforms, UPI, WhatsApp, and at the zoo’s ticket counters. A few additional cash counters will also be available for the convenience of the public.
Separate parking arrangements have been made for two-wheelers within the zoo premises. For cars, vans, autos, and heavy vehicles, parking has been arranged at an additional parking area on Kelambakkam Road, approximately 500 meters from the main entrance. A shuttle service will be provided to transport visitors from the additional parking area to the zoo entrance.
To ensure the safety of children, wristbands with contact details of parents will be provided to children under 8 years of age. The zoo will also have a large contingent of security personnel, including 150 police officers, 115 forest staff, and 50 NCC volunteers, who will be on duty from January 15 to 16, 2025. Furthermore, four special help desks with medical teams will be set up for visitors, and ambulances, fire engines, and medical staff will be stationed inside the zoo to handle any emergencies.
Wheelchairs will be made available for senior citizens and differently-abled persons. The zoo will install 25 additional bio-toilets to supplement existing toilet facilities to cater to the influx of visitors. In an effort to minimize environmental impact, visitors are urged not to bring plastic-packed food items or plastic water bottles. The zoo encourages visitors to carry reusable water bottles and take advantage of the purified RO water stations located throughout the park.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view several recent additions to the zoo, including newborns of rare and endemic species such as Nilgiri langurs, Lion-tailed macaques, Indian Gaurs, Nilgais, and Grey Pelicans. Additionally, new zoo inmates like Griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, and common langurs will be on display.
To avoid overcrowding, certain enclosures, including the Aquarium and Butterfly Park, will remain closed on January 15 and 16, 2025.
The zoo has also made adjustments to operations. The battery-operated vehicles and safari vehicles will be non-operational on January 15 and 16, 2025, with limited operation on January 14, 2025, depending on visitor capacity.
The zoo has emphasized that visitors should not tease or feed the animals, as doing so may lead to legal action. Additionally, strict measures are in place to prevent the entry of alcohol, weapons, and other restricted items.
To ensure visitors’ comfort, the zoo has arranged for uninterrupted electricity and water supply throughout the holiday period.
Published – January 11, 2025 11:10 pm IST