Which is the Biggest Zoo in India?

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is an absolute giant. Spread over an astonishing 1,490 acres (over 600 hectares) of reserve forest, it is not only the largest zoo in India but also one of the largest open-concept zoological parks in all of South East Asia. Because of its massive size, visitors often rent bicycles or take battery-operated buggies to explore the park.

The zoo has a deep history. It is actually the successor to the Madras Zoo, which was established back in 1855, making it the very first public zoo in India. Because the old zoo in the city center became too crowded, the animals were shifted to the massive new Vandalur forest site, which officially opened to the public in 1985.

Vandalur Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals representing nearly 170 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is designed around an 'open zoo' concept, meaning animals are kept in massive, naturalistic enclosures resembling their wild habitats rather than tight iron cages. The zoo is highly famous for its successful captive breeding programs for the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque, the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the Indian Star Tortoise.