Spread over 76 acres, the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem currently houses 23 species and 319 animals and birds.
| Photo Credit: File Photo.
The Forest Department has brought in 10 additional animals to the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in the district, and they will soon be displayed for public viewing.The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park, situated at Yercaud foothills in Salem district, is a small zoo that attracts around 1.50 lakh visitors every year. Spread over 76 acres, the zoo houses 21 species and 309 animals and birds, including deer, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks, and parrots.To increase footfall at the zoo, the Forest Department is taking various steps. As part of the effort, the department, with the consent from the central zoo authority, brought in four black bucks (male-1, female-3), four Nilgai (male-2, female-2) and two golden jackal (male and female) to the zoological park from Bannerughatta Biological Park at Bengaluru in Karnataka. These animals are quarantined in separate enclosures, and the public will be able to witness the animals soon.Officials attached to the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park stated the animals were brought to the zoo in order to create awareness about the importance of forests and animals. Post the arrival, the total number of species in the zoo increased to 23 from 21, and the number of animals increased to 319 from 309.The characteristics and importance of these animals will be displayed in front of the enclosure for public view. Following travel stress and for disease screening, the animals are quarantined in enclosures. As they are introduced to their new environment, it takes time for them to understand and adapt, officials added.Stating that there are no Nilgai, the largest antelope in Asia, in Tamil Nadu forest, the officials said that the Nilgai is found only in forests at the North Indian states. The Nilgai and black bucks will be displayed for the public on August 15, as a quarantine of two weeks is sufficient for both the species. “The golden jackal requires one month of quarantine, and in September they will be displayed for public view,” officials added. Published - August 06, 2026 06:49 pm IST
