Vandalur Zoo getting ready for Lion-Tail Macaques

Chennai, Mar 14 (UNI) The authorities of the Aringnar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) here have started to construct a separate breeding enclosure for the Lion Tail Macaque, which they propose to bring under Foreign Animal Exchange Programme.

Zoo officials said the new enclosure, at the cost of Rs 16 lakhs, coming up at a remote silent place in the Zoo would provide a natural habitat for the animals and would ensure breeding.

The total enclosure would be for about 3000 sq metres, including three rooms with about 250 square feet.

Three pairs of Macaque could be kept in these rooms, the sources added.

Fruit bearing trees, including goose beery and mangoes would be planted in the habitat.

Initially, Macaques from neighbouring states would be brought for breeding and offspring born would be kept here, while the adults would be returned to their respective Zoos.

Later, Macaques from foreign countries, including London, would be brought for breeding, the sources added.

The Lion-Tailed Macaques are generally found along the Western Ghats and lives in evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf monsoon forests.

UNI