Arignar Anna Zoological Park - Objectives, Organisational Structure, and Revenue Generation

Objectives, Organisational Structure, and Revenue Generation

The main objectives of the park are ex-situ propagation of critically endangered species to prevent their extinction, wildlife education and interpretation aimed at a wider public appreciation of wildlife, and wildlife research to promote wildlife conservation and management.

The overall management of the zoo is vested in the director of the park. The director is also the member secretary of the Zoo Authority of Tamil Nadu (formed under Tamil Nadu Society Act), which started functioning from 1 April 2005, and comprises the following members:

• The Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department (Chairman)
• The Secretary to Government, Finance Department (Member)
• The Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department (Member)
• The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu (Member)
• Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Member)
• Director, Department of Environment (Member)
• Commissioner, Tourism Department (Member)
• Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu (Member)
• Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, AAZP (Member Secretary)

The Government of Tamil Nadu provides funds for paying the zoo staff and maintenance of zoo vehicles. Other expenditures, such as maintenance of animal enclosures, feed for animals, animal health care, maintenance of zoo, drainage, water, electricity and maintenance of battery-operated vehicles, are met from the income generated by the zoo, chiefly by means of the entry fee. Income is also generated from battery-operated vehicle (BOV) charges, elephant rides, toilets lease, bicycle charges from TI cycles, the leased parking area and food and beverages outlets such as Hotel Tamil Nadu, Aavin, and TANTEA. The yearly budget of the park for its developmental and maintenance work is approved by the governing board.

The functions of the zoo are carried out by several departments, namely, administration, animal welfare, commissary (store), transport, research, education and awareness, veterinary, horticulture, security and sanitation. There are currently about 262 full-time staff against a sanctioned strength of 300, including forest rangers, wildlife keepers, biologists and veterinary doctors.

The director in the rank of chief conservator of forests, supported by one additional director, one deputy director, and two assistant directors, heads the park. Other staff include 27 ministerial staff, 39 field staff (including drivers) and 172 permanent workers under various categories. In addition to the regular staff, the park has also employed contract labourers. The veterinary department is headed by one veterinary officer and two veterinary assistant surgeons with two veterinary attendants. The task of education, interpretation, and research is executed by three biologists of the park.