Chennai: The public can now view grizzled giant squirrel, spot billed duck, common mongoose, barn owl, Indian horn owl and ball python at close quarters at Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur.
These are the six animals newly added to the wide variety of fauna at the zoo. The grizzled giant squirrel and spot billed duck belong to the ‘highly endangered species’
An official release said the animals were recovered from life threatening conditions and were treated at the veterinary hospital in the zoo. After treatment, zoo authorities decided to take care of the animals at the zoo itself, as there is no favorable environment available for these species.
The release also mentioned that of late, the animal count at the zoo has increased from 1,371 to 1,479 and the number of species at the zoo from 143 to 149. The mammal, reptile and bird count at the zoo has also increased to 42,37 and 71.
The number of species and individual animals exhibited at Vandalur zoo have reached an all-time high, thanks to ongoing animal breeding and induction programmes by zoo authorities, the release added.