Date:17/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/17/stories/2006121715230300.htm

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Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Children's Park at Guindy in for a facelift

P. Oppili

To have new aviary, quarantine area for rescued animals

Number of animals to be reduced, size of some enclosures increased

Some primates may be shifted to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur

TIME FOR CHANGE: Workers demolishing a cage inside the Children's Park, Guindy. — Photo: S. S. Kumar

CHENNAI: The Children's Park at Guindy is getting a facelift, with the smaller enclosures being pulled down to make way for moated enclosures.

A few months ago, the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) had announced Rs 1.09 crore to take up various developmental works in the zoo. Wildlife officials said while the number of animals at the park would be reduced, the size of some of the enclosures would be increased to conform to the CZAI norms.

All hoofed animals would be kept on one side, smaller carnivores lined up in rows and water and terrestrial birds housed together.

Under the new arrangement visitors would be able to see the hoofed animals and then move on to the enclosures of the small carnivores and, finally, to the birds section.

Authorities are also planning to shift primates such as Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur and Lion-Tailed Macaque to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur as they need more space.

A new aviary and quarantine area to shelter rescued animals and provide treatment will come up at the park, officials said.The CZAI will provide the total amount over a three-year period and, depending on the availability of funds, the works would be completed, the authorities said. Designs for the aviary and few moated enclosures have been finalised. They would be sent to the CZAI for approval.