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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ZOO: A GLIMPSE INTO THE RICH FAUNA.
CONSTRUCTION AND HISTORY:
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest zoological parks in India, is a
significant landmark in the country’s history of wildlife conservation and
education. The zoo, along with the Napier Museum and the botanical gardens,
stands as one of the oldest institutions of its kind in India. The vision for
these institutions dates back to the reign of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma
(1816–1846), the ruler of Travancore from 1830 to 1846. He had a keen interest
in wildlife and maintained a diverse collection of animals, including elephants
in his horse breeding center. His stables in Thiruvananthapuram also housed a
menagerie that included tigers, panthers, cheetahs, deer, bears, and a lioness.
However, it was under the leadership of his brother, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma,
and the then British resident general Cullen that the idea of establishing a
formal zoo and museum took shape.
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A committee was
formed in 1855 with the Maharaja of Travancore as patron, General Cullen as
president, the Elaya raja as vice president, and Mr. Allen brown as secretary
of the committee and the director of the museum. The museum was opened to the
public in September 1857. However, the museum alone failed to attract
significant public interest, leading to the establishment of a zoo and park in
1859. Initially, the zoo featured traditional iron-barred cages, reflecting the
prevalent design philosophy of the time. Its primary function was recreational,
offering visitors an opportunity to observe exotic animals up close. Over the
years, as awareness of wildlife conservation grew and natural habitats dwindled
due to human activities, the zoo’s mission shifted from mere recreation to
conservation and education.
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The Thiruvananthapuram
Zoo was originally conceived as part of a larger public park project aimed at
both educating and entertaining citizens by showcasing India’s diverse
wildlife. Over the decades, the zoo has transformed into a vital center for
conservation, research, and environmental education. Spread across 55 acres of
lush green landscape, it is situated within the museum and zoo complex in the
heart of Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Its architecture blends colonial
and traditional Kerala styles, featuring spacious enclosures designed to
replicate natural habitats.
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In recent years,
modernization efforts have been undertaken to enhance the welfare of the
animals. Open enclosures, naturalistic barriers, and improved veterinary
facilities have been introduced to create a more humane and ecologically
appropriate living environment. The zoo has also taken significant steps in
wildlife preservation and breeding programs, further cementing its status as an
important institution in India’s conservation landscape.
ANIMAL AND BIRD COLLECTIONS:
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo boasts a diverse
collection of animals and birds, representing species from across the world,
with a special emphasis on native Indian wildlife. The zoo is home to over 82
species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a crucial
institution for biodiversity conservation.
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Among the prominent mammals, the zoo
houses majestic big cats such as Bengal tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and Asiatic
lions. Other remarkable species include Indian elephants, Indian gaur, Nilgiri
langurs, sloth bears, giraffes, hyenas, deer, and hippopotamuses. The primate
collection features bonnet macaques, lion-tailed macaques, and common langurs,
highlighting the diversity of India’s simian population.
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The bird section is equally impressive,
featuring both indigenous and exotic species. Peafowls, Indian hornbills,
painted storks, emus, ostriches, owls, eagles, egrets, parrots, and flamingos
adorn the aviaries, captivating visitors with their vibrant plumage and unique
behaviors. Specially designed aviaries provide a near-natural habitat for these
birds, allowing them to fly and move freely within enclosed spaces.
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In addition to birds and mammals, the
zoo features a comprehensive reptile house that shelters various species of
snakes, including king cobras, pythons, anacondas,
vipers,
and other small snakes. Crocodiles, turtles, and monitor lizards are also part
of the reptilian collection, helping educate visitors about these often
misunderstood creatures.
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The zoo also houses an impressive
aquaria collection, featuring freshwater and marine fish species. The aquarium,
though a smaller section of the zoo, plays a significant role in educating
visitors about the importance of aquatic biodiversity and conservation.
EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS:
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is not merely an
exhibition space for animals; it serves as an educational institution dedicated
to wildlife awareness and conservation. The zoo conducts regular awareness
programs, workshops, and guided tours for students, researchers, and wildlife
enthusiasts. These initiatives emphasize the importance of biodiversity
conservation, sustainable wildlife management, and humane treatment of animals.
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One of the standout educational programs
is the interactive wildlife awareness initiative, which includes expert-led
talks on species conservation, habitat preservation, and human-wildlife
conflict mitigation. Schools and colleges often collaborate with the zoo for
field visits, where students gain hands-on knowledge about animal behavior,
nutrition, and veterinary care.
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The zoo also actively participates in
global and national conservation programs, including breeding initiatives for
endangered species. Under the guidance of the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA),
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is involved in the breeding of vulnerable and endangered
species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Indian star tortoise, and white tiger.
By participating in these efforts, the zoo contributes to the larger goal of
preserving species that face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate
change.
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In recent years, the zoo has also embraced digital learning, offering virtual tours and online educational content for people who cannot visit in person. This digital outreach has been instrumental in expanding the zoo’s impact beyond Kerala, allowing people worldwide to engage with its conservation and educational missions.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
ZOO TIMING
DAY
TIMING
MONDAY
CLOSED / HOLIDAY
TUESDAY
9:00 am – 5:15 pm
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am – 5:15 pm
THURSDAY
9:00 am – 5:15 pm
FRIDAY
9:00 am – 5:15 pm
SATURDAY
9:00 am – 5:15 pm
SUNDAY
9:00 am – 5:15 pm
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
ZOO ENTRY FEE/SITE UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 03, 2025.
ABOVE
12 YEARS/PER PERSON-₹30.
BELOW
12 YEARS AND ABOVE 5 YEARS/PER PERSON-₹10.
FAMILY
TICKET/FATHER, MOTHER, AND TWO CHILDREN BELOW 12 YEARS-₹70.
GROUP-1/LOWER PRIMARY, UPPER PRIMARY, AND HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS/35 STUDENTS AND 2 TEACHERS-₹300.
GROUP-2/HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, COLLEGE STUDENTS/35 STUDENTS
AND 2 TEACHERS-₹400.
GROUP A TICKET: MANDATORY TO PRODUCE THE AUTHORIZATION LETTER SIGNED AND
SEALED FROM THE CONCERNED HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT.
SENIOR CITIZENS: MANDATORY TO PRODUCE AN I.D. CARD ISSUED BY ANY GOVERNMENT
AGENCY TO PROVE AGE.
FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS ON ALL SUNDAYS.
CAR
PARKING- ₹150.
STILL
CAMERA-₹50.
VIDEO
CAMERA-₹200.
PROFESSIONAL CAMERA-₹2000.
ELECTRIC
CAR PRICE:
ELECTRIC
CAR INSIDE THE ZOO/SINGLE PERSON-₹50.
ELECTRIC
CAR INSIDE THE ZOO/FAMILY-₹350.
ELECTRIC
CAR INSIDE THE ZOO/SENIOR CITIZENS-₹20.
ELECTRIC
CAR INSIDE THE ZOO/SPECIALLY-ABLED PERSONS-₹15.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ZOO PHONE# 0471 231 6275
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