Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 05, 2008
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Monday, May 05, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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Tamil Nadu
A DAY AT THE ZOO: Visitors have their snacks brought in plastic bags repacked in paper bags at the Vandalur Zoo in Chennai on Sunday. TAMBARAM: Unmindful of the temperature that is hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, several thousands of visitors throng the sprawling premises of Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur. An estimated 25,000 have been visiting the Vandalur zoo during weekends, since summer vacation began. Usually, the zoo would attract about 5,000 visitors that would dwindle to about 2,000 during examinations. Going to the Marina or Elliot’s beach during the daytime would be difficult and hence, the Vandalur Zoo was the ideal place for family outings, said an employee of the Forest Department. For parents, a trip to the zoo means keeping their children occupied and happy for an entire day. After covering a good portion of the zoo – children are particular about visiting the enclosures of the big cats, elephants and giraffes – it is time to settle down for lunch. After spreading a bed sheet over a cushion of lush green grass, elders and children take positions, with the mothers at the helm of affairs serving the delicacies. A whiff of lemon, tomato, tamarind and curd rice, chappathi – kurma wades through the air when the large stainless steel utensils are unpacked. Families also bring along chilled water and home-made juices in coolers. And after lunch it is time for a short nap. Officials said the Vandalur zoo was a popular hang-out for residents for several years, owing to the green cover and the temperature inside, which was slightly lower than that outside. But that does not stop a scamper for softies, ice creams and cool drinks at the stalls of Aavin and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Visitors also buy tender cucumber, ‘nungu’ (palm fruit), groundnuts, fruits and snacks sold by vendors in the zoo’s vicinity. To ensure that the a large turnout of visitors does not affect the zoo’s environment, Lions Club and Exnora International volunteers helped staff of the Forest Department. Usually, visitors’ bags are checked and snacks packed in plastic and polythene bags are transferred to paper bags and handed over to visitors. Over the past two weekends, members of these two voluntary agencies have been assisting Zoo staff in this. Visitors have been advised not to dump plastic bottles. Despite the frisking, some manage to sneak plastic bags. “We leave nothing to chance and the entire premises is cleaned completely everyday,” said P. L. Ananthasamy, Chief Conservator of Forests and Zoo Director. Volunteers also educate visitors on the importance of keeping the zoo clean and green. They also remind them not to feed animals, tease them or throw stones at them.
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