Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Relocation Plan Sparks Heritage Debate Over City’s Future
Thiruvananthapuram has a zoo that began operating in 1859.
The government is considering moving it to Neyyar, near a forest.
Supporters say animals would have more natural surroundings and better facilities there.
They also want to turn the old site into a large public space.
Opponents say the zoo is part of the city’s history and identity.
They also say its trees, lake and location make it important for people and wildlife.
The zoo receives about 14 lakh visitors each year.
It has more than 1,000 animals from nearly 100 species.
The debate is about balancing animal care with heritage and public access.
The 167-year-old Thiruvananthapuram Zoo may be moved to Neyyar or another forest area.
Supporters say relocation could give animals more natural surroundings and improved facilities.
Officials have proposed turning the existing zoo site into a major public space.
CPI(M) leader V K Prasanth says the zoo is an irreplaceable heritage landscape and urban green space.
The zoo reportedly houses more than 1,000 animals across nearly 100 species and attracts about 14 lakh visitors annually.
- Who
- The Kerala government, V K Prasanth, V V Rajesh, and K Muraleedharan are among those involved in the debate.
- What
- A proposal would relocate the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo from its current city site to Neyyar or another forest area.
- When
- The zoo began functioning in 1859; the relocation debate is current.
- Where
- The existing zoo is in Thiruvananthapuram, while Neyyar has been proposed as the new location.
- Why
- Supporters cite more natural habitats and better facilities for animals, while opponents emphasize the zoo’s heritage, greenery, accessibility, and importance to the city.
Keep the Zoo in the City
Relocate the Zoo to Neyyar
Heritage and identity
Keep the Zoo in the City
V K Prasanth and local CPI(M) leaders say the zoo, museum, gardens, galleries, trees, and wooded surroundings form a unique urban heritage landscape that cannot simply be recreated elsewhere.
Relocate the Zoo to Neyyar
Supporters of relocation argue that a new zoological park can be developed with modern facilities and a larger, more natural habitat.
Animal welfare
Keep the Zoo in the City
Opponents point to the zoo’s existing open enclosures, greenery, natural lake, and conservation record as evidence of its value at the current site.
Relocate the Zoo to Neyyar
V D Satheesan and other supporters say wild animals should be kept closer to their natural habitat, with relocation potentially improving facilities.
Public access and land use
Keep the Zoo in the City
Opponents stress that the centrally located zoo is accessible to ordinary people and attracts about 14 lakh visitors annually.
Relocate the Zoo to Neyyar
The government has proposed using the existing site as a major public space, potentially along the lines of Madison Square.
- Zoo established
- 1859
- Proposed destination
- Neyyar or another forest area
- Annual visitors
- About 14 lakh
- Animal collection
- More than 1,000 animals from nearly 100 species
- Trees
- 387 rare species of trees, according to V K Prasanth
- Alternative use for current site
- A major public space, compared by one proposal to Madison Square
- Recent animal incident
- A lion-tailed macaque recently escaped from its enclosure