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Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India, which was started in 1855. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park was established for
public viewing in a limited area near Chennai Central Railway station. As the city grew, many animals started getting diseases due to growing
urbanization, smoke and sound pollution. Hence a plan was prepared in 1976 to maintain these animals in good simulated condition. According
to the plan the Tamilnadu Government gave the project to the State Forest Department to construct the park. According to Government instructions,
the Forest Department selected in the Vandalur Reserved Forest, an area of about 510 hectares near Chennai City and started the work in 1979,
with an initial amount of Rs. 7.5 crores. Most of the works were completed in 1985 and this park was opened to public by the then
Hon. Chief Minister of the state. The special features of this project were setting up of the Lion safari, Bird aviaries, Reptile house,
Nocturnal house and mountain cave entrance.
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