Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Zebras to return to Thiruvananthapuram zoo after nine years
Two zebras are going to live at the zoo in Thiruvananthapuram, a city in India.
It has been nine years since the zoo had any zebras.
The last zebra was named Seetha, and she died in 2017 when she was very old.
The new zebras are three and five years old.
They are coming from a special animal rescue centre called Vantara in Gujarat.
A special animal ambulance will drive them to their new home, and the trip will take about three days.
A vet checked them and said they are healthy enough to travel.
The zoo is giving Vantara a monkey called a lion-tailed macaque and a snake called a king cobra in return.
The zoo hopes visitors can see the zebras during the Onam holiday festival.
A pair of zebras will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram zoo from Vantara in Gujarat, nine years after the zoo last housed a zebra.
The three- and five-year-old zebras were examined by zoo veterinary surgeon Dr Nikesh Kiran and certified fit for transportation.
The animals will travel by road in a specially prepared animal ambulance, a journey expected to take about three days.
In exchange, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo will provide Vantara with a male lion-tailed macaque and a king cobra.
Officials are making arrangements so that visitors can see the zebras during the Onam holidays.
- Who
- A pair of zebras from the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Vantara, in Gujarat, along with officials of the Thiruvananthapuram zoo.
- What
- Two zebras are being brought to Thiruvananthapuram zoo, which last housed a zebra nine years ago, with the zoo giving Vantara a male lion-tailed macaque and a king cobra in exchange.
- When
- The plan was announced on a Saturday, and the zebras are expected to reach the zoo during the Onam holidays.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; the zebras are travelling by road from Gujarat.
- Why
- The zoo has been without zebras since a zebra named Seetha died of old age in 2017, and officials want the new zebras to be a special attraction for visitors during Onam.
- Animal
- 2 zebras, aged 3 and 5 years
- Origin
- Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Vantara, Gujarat
- Destination
- Thiruvananthapuram zoo, Kerala
- Last zebra
- Seetha, died of old age in 2017
- Transport
- Animal ambulance by road, about 3 days
- Exchanged animals
- Male lion-tailed macaque and king cobra
- Health certification
- Dr Nikesh Kiran, zoo veterinary surgeon
- Arrival target
- Onam holidays