Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the large zoos of the country spread over 30 acres of land and located in the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram. The zoo offers rare opportunity for the visitors to experience and enjoy unparalleled picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides vivid animal collections. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an adjunct to the Museum in 1859 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. Annually, this Zoo has a footfall of fourteen lakh visitors and serves as one of the potent educational tools for understanding the close linkage between protection of natural areas and maintaining the life supporting processes of nature. As a legacy of past some typical iron barred, cement floored, dingy animal cages with architectural supremacy is maintained. In order to meet the challenges imposed by the changing scenario, outmoded cages were renovated/replaced by open moated, spacious, nature immersing enclosures in a phased manner. This modernization project being implemented since 1995-96 is going on.
The modernization of the zoo is undertaken by the State Government with the technical assistance of the Central Zoo Authority, Government of India. Over the period of time justifications of establishing a zoo have changed from mere exhibition and amusement to research, education and ex-situ conservation. Thiruvananthapuram zoo houses several endangered species of regional significance, and is participatory in the Conservation Breeding Programme of Lion tailed Macaques. For health care the zoo has a team of veterinary staff and a well-equipped Zoo Hospital. The Zoo also shoulders the rearing of rescued and orphaned wild animals.
The zoo has a natural lake with well wooded landscapes, supporting 93 species of free roaming birds including many migratory birds. Besides birds, zoo serves as habitat for several species of butterflies, dragonflies, damsel flies, ants, beetles, spiders etc. Besides the free roaming fauna, more than 100 different species of both exotic and indigenous plant varieties inside the zoo provide an excellent ambience to the visitors. An area is specially ear marked in the Zoos as Butterfly garden, where several host and nectar plants are planted, this serves as a live repository collection of butterflies. One can explore and study about 120 species in this park.
Animal Collections
The Zoo houses 1025 animals belonging to 98 species.
Bird Collections
Water Birds
A large aviary confining birds, such as Spoonbills, Grey Heron, White Ibis, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Adjutant Stork, Painted Stork, Pond heron, Egrets, Oriental darter, Purple Heron, Night Heron etc., allow birds a larger living space. The enrichment with a pond, plants and shrubbery simulate a natural environment, where they can fly, perch, swim, wade and nest. Glass viewing areas allow the visitors to have a barrier free vision.
Exotic Birds
The exotic bird collections include beautifully coloured loud squawky Central and South American native Macaws like Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Green winged Macaw, Australasian native Cockatoos like Palm Cockatoo and Salmon crested Cockatoo, well-known ratites such as ostriches, emu, and rheas. Sun conure, White crested duck, African Grey Parrot, Kenya crested Guinea fowl etc are other the interesting zoo bird inmates.
Birds of Prey
Himalayan Griffon, White-backed Bengal Vulture, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Barn owl, Brown Fish owl, Forest owls are the inmates coming under this list. White Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Blossom headed Parakeet, Rose ringed Parakeet, Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant etc. are some of the indigenous bird inmates.
Reptiles
Exotic South American native reptile collections include the heaviest extant snake Green Anaconda, Spectacled caiman and Green Iguana. King Cobra, Spectacled cobra, Checkered keel back, Trinket Snake, Indian Rock Python, Rat Snake, Sand Boa etc. are displayed in the Reptile house section. Tortoise and terrapin collections include Indian Flap shell Turtle, Indian Black Turtle, Land Tortoise, Starred Tortoise etc.
Mammals
The Zoo has the endangered and endemic Western Ghat primates like Lion tailed macaque and Nilgiri langurs displayed in the beginning. The herbivorous collection include Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Barking, Hog deer, Barasingha, Guar, Cape buffalo, Nilgai and Black bucks. The Prominent Carnivore collection includes Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, Bears, Hyenas and Jackals
Aquaria
Aquarium is an integral part of a modern zoo and plays a vital role in conveying the message of conservation needs of the aquatic species.
Education
Staff Structure
| Designation | Nos |
|---|---|
| Superintendent | 1 |
| Curator | 1 |
| Biologist | 1 |
| Supervisors | 2 |
| Guard | 4 |
| Keeper | 31 |
| Gardeners | 9 |
| Sweepers | 13 |
| Veterinary Doctor | 1 |
| Live Stock Inspector | 1 |
| Lab Assistant | 1 |
| Pump Operator | 1 |
| Mason | 1 |
| Carpenter | 1 |
| Black Smith | 1 |
| Scavenger | 3 |
| PT Keeper | 4 |
| PT Sweeper | 1 |
| PT Gardner | 1 |
| Driver | 1 |
| Van cleaner | 1 |
| Store Attendent | 1 |
| Store Clerk | 1 |
- Via West Gate – Keep Left for 200m
- Via East Gate – Keep right on the ring Road for 150 m
Superintendent
ZOO, Phone number: 9446 567 574
Email – supdttvpm2022@gmail.com
ZOO, Phone number: 9446 567 574
Email – supdttvpm2022@gmail.com
