Date:20/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/20/stories/2008032057970200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Vandalur zoological park gets facelift

P. Oppili

More than a dozen rest sheds converted into permanent structures

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

New look: One of the rest sheds at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur.

CHENNAI: Visitors to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, this holiday season can look forward to improved facilities, particularly when looking for a place to sit, eat or relax.

More than a dozen rest sheds at the AAZP, earlier covered with thatched roof, have been converted into permanent structures, said zoo authorities.

The earlier sheds bore an untidy appearance, which kept visitors away, the authorities added.

The new rest sheds do not follow the usual design structure — they have been created in hexagonal and square shapes. Colourful ceramic tiles add to the improved look.

Also, plastic water tanks have been replaced with concrete ones. The improved structures incorporate children-friendly designs. “We have replaced at least half a dozen plastic tanks with animal-faced permanent structures. Soon all the plastic tanks would be replaced,” the officer said.

While welcoming the new amenities inside the zoo premises, a section of visitors felt that the authorities should take steps to change the existing entrance, which could be designed more aesthetically to attract more visitors, they said.