The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : More rest sheds to be set up for visitors at Vandalur Zoo

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Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

More rest sheds to be set up for visitors at Vandalur Zoo

P. Oppili

Two water coolers will also be provided to improve amenities

HEAT IS ON: The white tiger, Bhishmar, relaxing under the shade of a tree inside its enclosure on Tuesday. — Photo: A. Muralitharan.

CHENNAI : Four new rest sheds for visitors will be come up soon at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.

According to zoo officials, work has already begun and the sheds will be ready by month-end. Meanwhile, they are also giving a facelift to four old sheds. This should asle be completed by month-end. With the new sheds, the total number of rest sheds will be 13. The new sheds are being added in anticipation of a summer vacation crowd, they said.

As part of improving amenities for visitors, the authorities will be installing two water coolers in the zoo. One of them will be installed near the birds' enclosure and the other opposite the battery-operated vehicle counter.

In order to beat the heat, some of the animals are being provided watermelons. The authorities have already started providing watermelon pieces to elephants. This would soon be extended to chimpanzees, Lion Tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langur and other simians housed in the zoo. Artificial shade will be provided to the birds and serpentarium enclosures. This will help in reducing the heat to the avifauna.

Asked about the water position, the zoo authorities said, "At present, the water position is comfortable. We will be able to manage this summer."

Another official said that normally there are one or two showers in January and February. But this year there were no rains, he said.

Elephants were earlier fed inside a shed. But, this has been changed and they are fed in public view. Adults and children enjoy the sight of elephants being fed by the mahouts, officials said.

In order to quench the thirst of animals, the authorities had set up water troughs in all enclosures, the authorities added.

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