Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the oldest and largest zoo in the country which was established in the year 1855 in Chennai and later shifted to its present location in Vandalur Reserve Forest in the year 1985. Spread over an area of 602 Ha of land (Zoo Area – 510 Ha & Rescue & Rehabilitation centre Area – 92 Ha), it is one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia, that houses the animals in naturalistic enclosures simulating their natural habitat. The annual visitor footfall is approximately 20.00 Lakhs. Zoo is earning an average income of Rs.28.00 crore every year.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a modern and scientifically managed zoo and scored 83% in India’s first Management Effectiveness Evaluations survey (MEE) for the zoos conducted during the year 2022. It is ranked number one among large zoos in India. The Park presently exhibits 1664 wild animals, which include 42 species of mammals, 62 species of birds and 33 species of reptiles in all numbering 137 species. It has emerged as a successful ex-situ conservation and captive breeding centre of excellence for many endangered species, in recognition of which, the Central Zoo Authority has designated the zoo as coordinating centre for Conservation Breeding of Lion-Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur and participating zoo for Bengal Tigers, Indian Gaur, Indian giant squirrel and wild dogs.

Established: 1959

District: Chennai

Area: 8.90 ha

Description: A small urban zoo focused on children’s education and recreational activities, with a variety of animals and play areas.

The Amirthi Small Zoo, originally established in the year 1967 as a Children’s Corner, was later renovated during 1979–1980, extending over a total area of 10 hectares. This compact zoological facility is uniquely situated within the Thellai Reserve Forest, under the administrative control of Amirthi Wildlife Range in the Vellore Forest Division, Tamil Nadu. Located approximately 25 kilometres from Vellore City, the zoo is nestled at the foothills of the Jawadhu Hills, forming a vital part of the semi-evergreen and mixed deciduous ecosystem. Amirthi is renowned not only for its zoological importance but also as the only eco-tourism site in the Vellore Forest Division. The presence of a semi-perennial waterfall in the proximity adds to its natural charm, attracting thousands of tourists annually and making it one of the prominent and emerging ecotourism destinations in the Vellore District.

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in its present location amidst reserve forest areas, at the foothills of Shervaroyan Hills were initially opened to public as a Forest Recreation Centre, within Kurumbapatti Reserve Forest under Salem Circle. The recreation centre was inaugurated on 21st March 1976 in connection with the celebration of the World Forestry Day, 1976. Later on, this centre was set up as a small museum in 1981, on a sprawling 11.50 hectares of Kurumbapatti Reserve Forest land. With its rudiment legacy as a public recreation centre this Park has transitioned slowly over a period of four decades.In 2004, Kurumbapatti Zoological Park was approved as Mini Category Zoo by CentralZoo Authority (as on 31/03/2004). During 2010 the Zoo was upgraded as Small Zoo videF. No. 19-99/92 CZA (250) (Volume II) (M) Dt. 26.02.2010. with extent of 31.73 ha. In 2021 the Zoo is upgraded as Medium Category Zoo from Small category. At present the Zoo sprawls over an area of 135.68 ha. The Park is home to 21 genus and 275 species of wild animals including mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. The annual footfall is 3 Lakh.There is no such recreation / conservation centre in Salem and its surroundings for the people and students of schools and colleges for creation of awareness on wildlife and biodiversity conservation. A large number of people and students visit this Zoological Park during week-ends and holidays. This zoo has an immense value in ex-situ conservation, awareness creation, education and entertainment for the citizens of Salem and adjoining districts.