Chennai zoos receive fewer visitors on 1st day of reopening
The city zoos that reopened on Wednesday after remaining closed since April due to the pandemic lockdown, received only fewer visitors on the first day.
Though the State government had allowed all zoos to reopen from August 23, the managements waited for the official order and standard operating procedure. The government order this regard was issued on Tuesday.
“Usually, more than 7,000 to 8,000 people would visit the zoo every day even during weekdays. But when the zoo reopened on Wednesday after almost four months, there were only a few visitors as most people were not aware about reopening. As a result, we received only around 300 visitors till 1.30 pm. The visitors are following COVID guidelines,” said Dr R Kanchana, Deputy Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur zoo).
The official added that visitors were not allowed to visit the aquarium and reptile zones, which remain closed. Also, they were not allowed near lion safari, as eight lions recovered from COVID only recently.
The officials urged visitors to maintain a distance of two to six metres from the animals. “Almost 90 per cent of staff are fully vaccinated, while the others have got their first dose,” an official said. A monitoring team was stationed to ensure that the public followed pandemic protocols.
Even the Children’s Park in Guindy received only a few visitors on the first day, but E Prashant, Wildlife Warden, Guindy National Park said the footfall was expected to increase during the weekends. “However, the National park and wildlife sanctuary are closed, as we are yet to get the order from the State government. It will be reopened only after the situation eases,” he added.