Amirthi Zoological Park
Amirthi Zoological Park is a zoo located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India, established in 1967. It is situated about 25 kilometers from Vellore city and spans 25 hectares, featuring natural waterfalls. The park is part of the larger Amirthi Forest, which is recognized as the biggest forest in Tamil Nadu and is divided into a tourist area and a wildlife sanctuary.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in 1967.
- ›Located in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India.
- ›Covers an area of 25 hectares (approximately 62 acres).
- ›Features natural waterfalls.
- ›Home to animals such as spotted deer, sambar, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- ›Undergoing development and planned upgrade from a mini zoo to a small zoo.
Waterfalls
About Amirthi Zoological Park
Amirthi Zoological Park is a zoological facility located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1967, the park is situated approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Vellore. It encompasses an area of 25 hectares and is renowned for its natural waterfalls.
Development and Features
The park is part of the larger Amirthi Forest, which is recognized as the largest forest in Tamil Nadu. This expansive forest area is divided, with half cleared for tourism and the other half developed as a wildlife sanctuary. A trek of about a kilometer within the park leads visitors to a scenic seasonal waterfall. The zoo houses a variety of fauna, including spotted deer, sambar, mongoose, porcupines, bonnet macaques, rose-ringed parakeets, budgerigars, star tortoises, peafowls, crocodiles, and Indian Rock Pythons.
In recent years, there have been significant efforts to develop and upgrade the park. In 2013, the Tamil Nadu government announced an allocation of 3.5 crore rupees for improvements, including the addition of resting places, drinking water facilities, food joints, and information centers. Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has plans to elevate the status of the Amirthi mini zoo to a small zoo, a project approved by the Central Zoo Authority. The Amirthi forest area is also being considered as a potential site for hosting rejuvenation camps for temple elephants in the state.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Amirthi Zoological Park located?
Amirthi Zoological Park is situated in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is approximately 25 kilometers away from Vellore city.
When was Amirthi Zoological Park established?
The zoo was opened in 1967. It is part of the larger Amirthi Forest, which is the biggest forest in Tamil Nadu.
What is the size of Amirthi Zoological Park?
The park covers an area of 25 hectares. This size includes both areas developed as a tourist spot and a wildlife sanctuary.
What kind of animals can be seen at Amirthi Zoological Park?
Visitors can see a variety of animals, including spotted deer, sambar, mongoose, porcupines, bonnet macaques, rose-ringed parakeets, budgerigars, star tortoises, peafowls, crocodiles, and Indian Rock Pythons.
Are there any special features at Amirthi Zoological Park?
Yes, the park is known for its natural waterfalls, with a kilometer-long trek leading to a full view of a seasonal waterfall. It is also part of the extensive Amirthi Forest.
What developments are planned for Amirthi Zoological Park?
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated funds for the development of amenities such as resting places, drinking water facilities, food joints, and pathways. There are also plans to upgrade the park from a mini zoo to a small zoo, with approval from the Central Zoo Authority.
Related Zoos
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo, also known as Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, is a 400-hectare zoological park situated in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1969, it plays a role in wildlife conservation, housing over 4,000 animals, including endangered species and those extinct in the wild.
Dartmoor Zoological Park
Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo located in Devon, England, with a history dating back to its opening in 1968. After facing closure, it was purchased by Benjamin Mee in 2006 and reopened in 2007, later becoming the registered charity Dartmoor Zoological Society in 2014, focusing on conservation, education, and research.
Děčín Zoo
Děčín Zoo is a Czech zoological park located in Děčín, Czech Republic. Founded in 1948, it was one of only four zoological parks in Czechoslovakia at the time of its establishment and opened its gates to the public in 1949. The zoo is known for housing rare species not found elsewhere in the Czech Republic.