Anna Zoological Park - Chennai

It had been a while since we had gone out and experienced the "wilderness"...well, at least in the urban sense of the matter! The closest we got to the true sense of "wild" was on our trip to Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, located approx. 90KM southwest of Chennai. I'll probably have a post of the pics from there up soon.

Anyways, as I was saying...back to the "wilderness" we thought we would go. And so came the plan on spending a day at the Anna zoological park (commonly called Vandalur zoo). It apparently has a reputation for being one of Asia's largest zoos. And the excitement was ever more on hearing that the white tigers had successfully reproduced in captivity...so 3 little cubs were on the loose, so to speak!! :)

Only upon a visit to the zoo/park, does one get a bigger and clearer perspective and understanding of what the place really is. It may be one of the largest zoos in Asia...but it definitely is on top of the list for the most poorly maintained in terms of the animal enclosures and the animals itself!!

Although, with that stated, one has to credited the place to be able to house such a variety of animals, given the habitats they are originally from. Pity most of them you will, for not all of them can stand the climate Chennai has to offer...but nonetheless, they're still there for the urban nature lovers to view and admire!!

Urban nature lovers - too bad that term is loosely acquainted to those who visit such places. Some of the younger generations, mostly in their teens to early 20's, visit these places as an alternative to romantic getaways...although I'm not sure on the extent of romance in their getaways!! Some other utterly disrespect beings of nature other than their own selves...hooligans if you must term them. Causing hurt and disturbances to what must be an already difficult ordeal for the animals to live in captivity for the entertainment of the humanfolk! If ever you cross paths with the latter kind in such places, please, with utmost request, suppress or detain their behavior (maybe even threaten or kill, if one must!!). Urban nature lovers...yea rite!!

Sadly, our existence has come to a point where experiencing the various beautiful creations of nature comes in cement & brick blocks piled with dirt and left-overs mimicing a "natural habitat" at the exchange of nothing more than pieces of paper!! Civilization and its side-effects...or is it main effects...I'll leave that to ponder.

Enough critism on the repercussions of our growth and existence. Enjoy the pics taken of the animals that can be found at Vandalur zoo. There were some pics I had dropped due to the poor condition of the animals...if you insist on viewing them...head on over to the zoo and see for youself!! Tickets cost only Rs.20 for an adult, Rs.10 for children upto 12yrs and Rs.25 for a still camera but a whooping Rs.150 for a video camera (what are they afraid of...someone taking profitable video ads of them animals?!?!)

Anyways, here are the pics...




King Julias the great!! (for those who don't know, refer Madagascar - the movie!)


That's a mother carrying her young...lil fellows holding on tight alright!!


Our closest relatives!


Don't they make a pretty cute couple?! :)








This lil fellow had a deformed snout and top lip...but he still looked cute!


Ideal depiction of "father of sorrows"!! ;)


This white-bellied sea eagle was a beauty...pity it had to be in this cage.






This is a magpie found in the himalayas...I think...ok location not clear!! :P


Like a friend says - "o deeah o deeah o deeah"!! :D




A red-headed crane




Love this close-up of the bird. Beautiful eyes and the color & texture of the upper neck.




This is the stork...poor fellow was trying so hard to fly out...








...but he couldn't. Guess he finally knew that his feathers were clipped!


This is one of my favs...a Cassowary. Lovely colors and texture of the hair on its back.






Mr. Muscle and his family...BIG family!


The lions' and tigers' enclosures are mostly a disappointment due to the distance between the animals and the area where one can view them from. Took the cam to full zoom to get this close!




Poor fellow couldn't take the heat!


Used to be one of the most majestic animals at the zoo...until we found out that these guys are being underfed...look at the amount of loose skin hanging from this guy. He was awesome when we first saw him! But nevertheless, he still has that mesmerising stare!! You'll be lucky if you ever catch it. The look of a hunter being threatened or wanting to attack!!


Don't be fooled by this "I'm dum" look! There's more...


...like this!!
We came to know that the mother and cubs were only open to public viewing till 2pm...and it was a little after 2pm by the time we got here. :|


A quick catch of a maina in the trees.


This is one bug that can be annoying...they're all over the place and make a very high buzzing noise.


Bambi Sr. :)




One of the specimens found on our last visit...wait...hang on...that's my wife. (guess I'm going to bed without dinner tonight...IF I get home safe!!) :D



Check out the Sloth bear's claws...somebody teach him self-hygeine!!


Well...at least he prays!


This Himalayan black bear was bathing in his jacuzi...


...relishing the cool water in the scorching sun...


...then decided he had enough and crawled out...






...to show his diminishing and bare backside to the seemingly happy gazers!!!


See...he's laughing at you!!


A deadly glance from the European brown bear.


Jaguar...much more than just a car name!!


Panther/Leopard (as stated on the placard on the cage!!)


These are some of the birds found in the Vedanthangal bird sactuary. They have captured few species of them and kept them in enclosures.


A Night Heron.


Painted storks.










Flamingo.






Grey pelicans.




Who ever said 3 was a crowd never saw these guys!!


Rosy pelicans.


Here's looking right at ya!!








The predator from the skies watching out for the dead!




Iguanas make real cute pets...although if I were to have one, I'd get it to be in its most comfortable habitat.


He's a vegan!!!


A species that is rarely seen...no seriously...they're on the brink of extinction!!






The python's head.


We were lucky (or not!) to get a glimpse of this snake feeding on one of the chics (BABY CHICKENS!!!!) that were kept in the enclosures.


Some found it gruesome, others an experience.


A Hyena.


A breed of wild dogs.


This is part of the area of the zoo where one can traverse through on elephant rides. We just happened to catch a few of the young ones being bathed.




I wish I had his height!! :)


White with black stripes or black with white stripes???


Beautiful things don't always come in small packages!!










He caught himself a good opportunity to recruit himself as a possible model...and therefore struck a pose!! Don't be distracted...he didn't mind it...shows he was truly a professional!! ;)


That lil critter was mishief personified!!


Spike!! :)