The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Increase in visitors to Vandalur Zoo Visitors throng Vandalur Zoo

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 18, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Increase in visitors to Vandalur Zoo Visitors throng Vandalur Zoo

Staff Reporter

Various factors have contributed to the increase in numbers Various factors have contributed to the increase in number

SUMMER ATTRACTION: Children are turning out in large numbers at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur. — Photo: A. Muralitharan

CHENNAI: The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, has recorded a 25 per cent increase in the number of visitors compared to last year.

According to zoo authorities, from April 2004 to March 2005 6.68 lakh visitors came to the zoo, which included 1.58 lakh children. This year (between April 2005 and March 2006) 8.49 lakh people, including 2.14 lakh children, visited the place.

Various factors contributed to the increased number of visitors, says K.P.M. Perrumahl, Chief Conservator of Forests and Zoo Director. Arrival of new animals, a clean environment, rest areas and other facilities for visitors, transport facilities and adequate water supply are some of the factors that attracted visitors, he said.

Increased revenue

During 2004-05, the zoo earned revenue of Rs. 1.18 crore through ticket sales, this year (2005-06) the earnings touched Rs. 1.44 crore. During April 2005, about 67,000 visitors came to the zoo; in the corresponding period this year the figure touched 98,000, Mr. Perrumahl said.

For adults, an entrance fee of Rs. 15 is charged while it is Rs. 10 for children. Adults have to pay Rs. 12 to use the road rail, while children are charged Rs. 7. A similar amount is charged for the lion safari, authorities said.

Mr. Perummahl said, "Whenever we receive complaints, we attend to it immediately. We ensured a decent place for a family to come and spend the day." This could have contributed to the increase in the number of visitors, he said.

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