An anti-skid tiled walk path, a fencing wall embedded with murals depicting zoo diversity and shining brass letters now welcome visitors to the Vandalur zoo.
Thanks to funds from the State Tourism department, the entrance to Vandalur zoo has got a facelift. K.S.S.V.P. Reddy, Chief Conservator of Forests and Zoo Director said that all these years, most visitors to the zoo had to search for the entrance. Realising this problem, both Zoo authorities and Tourism officials decided to give a better look to the zoo entrance, resulting in its making-over at a cost of Rs. 3.52 crore. Mr Reddy said the work for remodelling the entrance began in 2010. The new entrance is expected to be inaugurated within the next fortnight.
Once the visitors pass through the entrance, they can see lawns on both sides. They will then be welcomed by 20 state-of-the-art ticket counters which are capable of handling up to one lakh visitors on a holiday.
The zoo authorities have also modernised the auditorium and the interpretation centre. Mr Reddy said more display material will be exhibited in the renovated centre. Similarly, new seating arrangements will be introduced in the auditorium, Mr Reddy added.