Situated in Vandalur is the Aringar Anna Zoological Park or the Vandalur Zoo in south west Chennai which is the largest zoological garden in India spanning an area of 602 hectares. Founded in 1855, the park was the first public zoo in India. The park has moved to Vandalur natural reserve and developed in the region for the benefit of the animals to create a more spacious environment according to the open zoo concept it follows. Here most animals are allowed to roam free in large expense of land and visitors can see them in their natural habitat. The zoo houses more than 2553 species of flora and fauna, 1500 wild species in 160 enclosures. The keepers have strived to maintain the natural habitats and vegetation of the surrounding environment as much as possible and have created a network of gardens and moats so as to experience a complete wildlife panorama throughout the park. Close to 500 varieties deer roam free on the free range zone as well as an equal number of jackals and natural elements and circumstances are allowed to control the population. The Otteri Lake surrounding the north west region of the park attracts thousands of birds year round both locally and migratory birds and is a birdwatchers haven. The lake also creates a rich aquatic ecosystem of fish, mangroves, amphibians, birds and much more. Special areas have been created for lions, leopards, deer and jackals to roam freely and one can take a short drive or ride an elephant to visit these locations or simply go around the zoo. There are two aviaries housing different species of birds in different habitats but both are created to depict an open sky and spacious gardens and ample trees for the birds creating a cool environment even during the hot summer months. Similarly the butterfly park is also created in such a way as to offer a free space for the movement of the insects. Visit the dark and damp reptile house, amphibian house and the crocodile enclosure. Make your way to the primate house and the small mammals' house and see the nocturnal creatures at work. Finish off at the aquarium after nearly a 20 kilometre walk and make sure to get involved in the various educational and conservation programmes organised by the zoo. The Leela Palace Chennai is a plush Chennai luxury hotel that ensures the best a Chennai hotel has to offer and a taste of the rich Indian culture in perfect harmony with modern luxuries. Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+
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