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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. The typical iron barred, cement floored, dingy animal cages built in the past still stand as monuments of the royal style and architectural supremacy rather than being proper housing for animal. As these cages are outmoded with the changed concepts of zoo management, they are being renovated/replaced by open moated, spacious, nearly natural enclosures in 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 financial and 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. 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. 
Zoo has two natural lakes where more than 60 species of free ranging birds including migratory birds can be seen throughout the year. More than 100 different species of both exotic and indigenous plant varieties inside the zoo provide an excellent ambience to the visitors.
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Birds

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Water birds: 

Spoonbill, Grey Heron, White Ibis, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Adjutant Stork, Painted Stork, Black-necked Stork, Pond heron, Egrets, Oriental darter, Purple Heron, Night Heron etc. 

Exotic Birds: 

Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Green winged Macaw, Palm Cockatoo, Greater crested Cockatoo, Violet Turaco, Black Swan, Mandarin Duck , Ostrich, Grey Rhea, White Rhea. 

Other Birds:

Brahmini Kite, Cinereous Vulture , King Vulture, Pariah Kite, Peafowl,  Emu, White-bellied Sea Eagle, White Peafowl, Parakeet Alexandrine, Blossom headed Parakeet, Rose ringed Parakeet, Moustached Parakeet, Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Quail

Snakes

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Snakes: 

King Cobra, Tree Snake , Water Snake(Checkered keel back), Trinket Snake, Indian Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Rat Snake, Sand Boa, Green Anaconda 

Other Replies:

Indian Flap shell Turtle, Indian Black Turtle, Land Tortoise, Starred Tortoise, Marsh Crocodile/ Mugger, Spectacled Caiman, Gharial.