Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, situated in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India, stands as one of the nation's oldest zoological institutions. Established in 1859, it occupies a substantial 55-acre expanse encompassing woodland, lakes, and manicured lawns.

History and Evolution

The genesis of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is intertwined with the vision of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the ruler of Travancore from 1830 to 1846. He maintained a diverse collection of animals, including elephants, tigers, panthers, cheetahs, deer, bears, and a lioness within his stables and a menagerie. The formal establishment of the zoo, however, was realized under his brother, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, and the British Resident General Cullen. A committee was formed in 1855 to oversee the project, leading to the opening of the Napier Museum and Zoo. Initially conceived with traditional iron-barred cages and intended primarily for recreation, the zoo's purpose has significantly evolved. In response to the escalating loss of wildlife habitats due to human development, its mission has increasingly shifted towards wildlife conservation and breeding programs.

Modernization and Holdings

Recognizing the need for improved animal welfare and conservation efforts, a comprehensive modernization project commenced in 1995. This initiative, supported by the Kerala state government and the Central Zoo Authority, aims to gradually replace older enclosures with spacious, naturalistic habitats that better mimic the animals' native environments. The zoo is home to a rich diversity of fauna, featuring 82 species from around the world. Its collection includes indigenous Indian species such as the Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Indian hog deer, Swamp deer, Striped hyena, Nilgai, Smooth coated otter, golden jackal, Sloth bear, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Gaur, Black buck, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, royal Bengal tiger, white tiger, and leopard. The zoo also houses African mammals like hippos and Cape buffalos. Avian inhabitants include ostriches, macaws, flamingos, and various pheasants and cranes. The reptile collection, housed in 'The Reptile House,' features venomous and non-venomous snakes like the King cobra and Russell's viper, as well as large constrictors such as the Green Anaconda and Reticulated Python, alongside crocodilians and turtles.