Amirthi Zoo has been spruced up with new features for visitors. One of the latest additions at the zoo is an interpretation centre that has on display illuminated boards featuring the fauna of Jawadhu Hills and a model of Amirthi Zoo.
The zoo, one of the popular destinations in Vellore district, has around 200 animals, birds and reptiles. Officials of the Forest Department have improved the facilities at the zoo, bringing in new features.
Visitors can now get to learn more about Amirthi and its surroundings at the interpretation centre.
“We have opened the interpretation centre at the zoo. On the ground floor of the building, we have illuminated display boards throwing light on the fauna of Jawadhu Hills and also that of Tamil Nadu. We have also displayed details of animals housed at the zoo and its distribution in India,” said Sumesh Soman, district forest officer, Vellore.
There is also an interactive kiosk that has bird sounds. “This will be an interesting addition for children. They can scroll the touchpad on the kiosk and experience the bird sounds,” he added.
On the first floor of the centre is information on Amirthi Forest, tribals of Jawadhu Hills and on species of scheduled timber protected under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, protected areas of Tamil Nadu and about forests in the State.
“The first floor has been funded by Japanese-funded Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project,” the official said.
Model zoo
One of the main attractions on the first floor is a scaled model of Amirthi Zoo that provides a bird’s eye view of the zoo, ecotourism site, waterfalls and adjoining hills, Mr. Soman added.
The Forest Department has utilised fund to the tune of ₹9 lakh received from the Zoo Authority of Tamil Nadu to spruce up facilities.
“We have used the fund for beautifying the zoo. We have opened a new ticket counter inside the zoo. We have also done work on the main entrance, paving tiles, landscaping and have also improved the canteen with the funds,” he added.
Mr. Soman said that the department has now got funds to improve the children’s play area. Plans are afoot to establish a butterfly garden, he said.
