Over 1.2 Lakh Visitors at Vandalur Zoo in 18 Days During Pongal Holidays
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as Vandalur Zoo, recorded a footfall of over 1.2 lakh visitors within 18 days during the ongoing Pongal festival season, according to the zoo administration.
From January 1 to January 18, nearly 1,20,000 people visited the zoo. The rush peaked during the Pongal holidays, with around 75,000 visitors arriving in the last three days alone, officials said.
High Turnout During Pongal Holidays
Visitor numbers during the festival days were significant:
Pongal Day: 14,570 visitors
Mattu Pongal: 22,205 visitors
Kaanum Pongal: 26,866 visitors
Families from Chennai and nearby districts visited the zoo in large numbers, making it one of the most preferred holiday destinations.
Attractions and Arrangements
Special attractions such as elephant feeding programmes, 7D theatre, safari rides, and battery-operated vehicle services drew strong public interest. All animal enclosures were kept open to visitors.
To manage the heavy crowd, the zoo administration made special arrangements, including volunteer support, regulated entry systems, and safety measures, ensuring smooth movement and a pleasant experience for visitors.
Officials stated that the effective planning helped make the Pongal holidays at Vandalur Zoo safe, well-managed, and enjoyable for the public.
