With the aim of making zoos more than just a place for entertainment and holiday getaway, authorities are making efforts to make them educative and a means to spread awareness about flora and fauna. In order to this, the Tamil Nadu Government issued an order to set up a museum and a theatre at the popular Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park which is also known as Vandalur Zoo.

An amount of Rs.4.3 crore have been allocated to build the museum and theatre at the Zoo.

The zoo which is located seven kilometres from Tambaram attracts not just local people but also outsiders in large numbers.

A tweet posted by Supriya Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Climate Change and Forests, said: “Government of Tamil Nadu issued orders today to set up a Zoo museum and a Zoo theatre in Vandalur Zoo at Chennai at a cost of Rs 4.3 Crores under the Planning commission Innovation Fund to enable people to understand wildlife conservation in a new light.”

The project will have a 3D/7D theatre at the old auditorium within the zoo premises while a zoo museum and interpretation complex with an interactive display model would also be set up. These facilities will go a long way to make people, especially children to discover, explore and experience wildlife in a new way.

Elaborating on the objective of this project, the State Government order said: “In order to strengthen the conservative efforts of the government, it is essential to create awareness especially among the new generation about the need to protect, preserve and conserve our natural heritage.”

Vandalur which is one of the largest modern and scientifically managed zoos in Southeast Asia serves as a perfect spot for people to enjoy and relax. This self-sustaining establishment, is spread over an area of 602 hectare, including the rescue and rehabilitation centre.

The Zoo boasts of a total of 2,375 animals belonging to 172 species, including birds, reptiles and mammals.