Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Ponmudi visited the Vandalur Zoo yesterday to inaugurate several new facilities aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and wildlife conservation efforts.

The Minister inaugurated a 180 kW solar power plant and inspected ongoing renovation works, including an animal enclosure and the Vedanthangal bird aviary.

In a significant move to blend education with entertainment, a state-of-the-art 7D theatre has been established at the zoo at a cost of ₹4 crore. Equipped with 32 seats, the theatre offers visitors an immersive experience to learn about animals through modern technology. Minister Ponmudi inaugurated the facility and enjoyed a 3-minute wildlife film showcasing the wonders of nature.

The Minister also launched Tamil Nadu’s first integrated Nilgiri Tahr census and released a special postal cover dedicated to the species. Recognized as the state animal of Tamil Nadu and classified as an endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr conservation has received a significant boost with the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Project.

The project, with an allocation of ₹25.14 crore, will be implemented through nine key initiatives aimed at the protection and growth of the Nilgiri Tahr population.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary of Forests Senthil Kumar and several other officials, marking another milestone in Tamil Nadu’s commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.