Vandalur Zoo all spruced up for festival crowd

With enhanced facilities in place, the zoo management is expecting more visitors this year. “We have increased entry ticket counters from four to 20. The visitors can book the zoo entry ticket by logging on to our website www.aazp.in or by downloading mobile app ‘Vandalur Zoo’ on their mobile phone,” said an official at Arignar Anna Zoological Park.

“Two counters will be dedicated for those booking tickets online these days. For the benefit of visitors, debit card, credit card and UPI payment facilities will also be made available,” he said.

There are 142 CCTV cameras placed at several points in the zoo to ensure the safety of the visitors. At least 300 special buses from various parts of city and mofussil areas are expected and MTC has arranged additional parking facilities too. Two rooms have been specially set up for lactating mothers inside the premises.

“Children will be provided with hand tag for safety. Besides, there will be eight mobile toilets for the visitors. Public will be allowed to bring only vegetarian food items inside the premises. They are also advised not to feed the animals with the left-over food items. Liquor, cigarette, sugarcane and plastic are banned by the zoo management and will not be allowed inside the zoo. So, the visitors are advised to cooperate to keep the premises clean,” he said.

The zoo management is coordinating with the district administration, police, fire, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Electricity and Transport departments to make arrangements for the visitors and to assist them during Pongal holidays.