AP Speaker pitches for Mandai-style makeover of Visakhapatnam zoo

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker and Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Wildlife and Environmental Protection, Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, on Tuesday said the government would extend support to develop the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam on the lines of Singapore’s Mandai Zoo.

Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu, who visited the zoo with members of the committee, said issues relating to infrastructure, staffing, funding, and animal welfare would be taken up with the government to facilitate its modernisation.

Zoo Curator Dr. Mangamma told the committee that the 625-acre zoo, which opened to the public in 1977, houses 1,404 animals of 108 species. She said the zoo carried out animal exchange programmes with four zoos during 2025-26, including the acquisition of a black panther from Assam Zoo, and that breeding programmes for several species had recorded encouraging results.

She said eight new enclosures had been developed with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and outlined measures such as scientific animal management, regular veterinary care, animal enrichment, and the animal adoption programme. The zoo also conducts the “One Day-One School” initiative to create awareness among students on wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu called for mobilising at least ₹3 crore annually through CSR funds for animal conservation, filling vacant posts, and improving visitor amenities. He also suggested that MPs from North Andhra consider allocating part of their MPLADS funds for the zoo’s development.

The committee later visited the Kambalakonda Animal Rescue Centre, where Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu and the members laid the foundation stone for an additional watchtower and a pagoda to improve visitor safety and management.