Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India, created in 1855. This was shifted from the then Madras City to Vandalur Reserve Forest and a modern Zoological Park was established in 1979 by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Spread over 510 ha. of dry evergreen forests with gentle undulating terrain, the specially created open wet and dry island type enclosures with hidden walls and simulated natural environment help the animals, birds and reptiles to feel their natural environment. Chimpanzee, the nearest ancestor to human beings, keeps you busy for a while. 

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai is one of the most contemporary zoos of the country as well as of South East Asia. Situated in the Vandalur area of the Kanchipuram district, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is about 35 kilometers from the metropolitan city.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai was first established in 1855. But it was shifted to the southern metropolitan area called Vandalur reserved forests in the year 1979. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai was officially opened to public in 1985. The Chennai Arignar Anna Zoological Park covers 510 hectares of land and is one of the biggest in south-east Asia.

 The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is located in Vandalur, on GST Road. Vandalur is about 8 km from Tambaram and about 33 km from Chennai Central Railway Station. Founded in 1855, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park was the first public zoo in India. Originally called the Madras Zoo, it was situated in People's Park near Park Town. By 1975, the zoo had expanded and had to be moved out of the city. In 1979, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department set aside 1300 acres (5.2 sqkm) on the outskirts of the city to build the current zoo, which is one of the largest in South Asia.

 One can easily end up walking 10-15 km across the stretch of the park. The battery-operated vehicles are also available for rent. However, there are only 5-7 vehicles. Each vehicle carries approximately 15-20 people. It contains a superb collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles amongst others.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai shelters more than 170 species of animals that wander about independently in a man-made island enclosure. The invisible walls and imitated natural ambiance of the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is almost impalpable to the animal species residing in the park. The dry deciduous forests surrounding the Vandalur region is the ideal breeding ground for these animals.

Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India, which was started in 1855. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park was established for public viewing in a limited area near Chennai Central Railway station. As the city grew, many animals started getting diseases due to growing urbanization, smoke and sound pollution. Hence a plan was prepared in 1976 to maintain these animals in good simulated condition. According to the plan the Tamilnadu Government gave the project to the State Forest Department to construct the park. According to Government instructions, the Forest Department selected in the Vandalur Reserved Forest, an area of about 510 hectares near Chennai City and started the work in 1979, with an initial amount of Rs. 7.5 crores. Most of the works were completed in 1985.