The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is a mini zoo, situated in the foothills of the Shervaroyan Hills, 10 km from Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. It was set up in 1981 as a small museum and was later extended to 31.73 Ha. The zoo houses many species of wildlife, with monkeys as the major attraction, and is in the vicinity of reserve forest, permitting visitors the opportunity to also experience the flora and fauna there. The park has a gentle topography, areas of bamboo and woodland and semi-perennial streams. Facilities include a children's playground area. The park has been recognized as a small category zoo.
Exhibits
The park features spotted deer, sambar deer, white peacock, bonnet macaque, grey pelican, little egret, grey heron, turtle, marsh crocodile, star tortoise, plum headed parakeet, rose-ringed parakeet, a 58-year-old elephant Andal, yellow-footed green pigeon, blackbucks and Bison. Four Alexandrine parakeets, 20 rose-ringed parakeets and five Plum-headed parakeets have arrived from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur to be displayed in purpose-built enclosures. Separate enclosures exist for the parakeets to permit better viewing for visitors. Animals at the park include:
Group
Number of species
Number of animals
Mammals
04
34
Birds
09
109
Reptiles
04
14
Total
17
157
2019 Renovation
In 2019 a butterfly garden was opened and 3D artworks of animals such as tigers and butterflies were created along the pathways inside the zoo. A wide range of flowering plants was incorporated into the area close to the butterfly garden, with four beehives to facilitate cross-pollination. An artificial waterfall and lawns were also planned as part of the renovation effort.
The zoo is located in Kurumbapatty reserve forests in the foothills of the Shervaroys. The city is surrounded by hillocks and reserve forests. Consequently, the zoo is involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals regularly. The injured animals are provided with veterinary care at the zoo, and other animals are quarantined and released into the wild.
Incidents
An elephant in zoo premises attacked and trambled mahout kaliappan, a 45 years old man died during this incident. The same elephant named Andal killed a forest watcher in 2013.
