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Zoo Relocation: Thrissur Model Offers Hope for Thiruvananthapuram
17 Sep
Summary
- Thrissur zoo moved to 336 acres from 13 acres in city center.
- Thiruvananthapuram zoo's 30 acres house 1,025 animals of 98 species.
- Relocation requires significant investment, necessitating public-private ventures.
A former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, K.J. Varughese, has proposed the Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthoor as a successful model for relocating the Thiruvananthapuram zoo. He noted that the latter currently struggles with space, accommodating 1,025 animals across 98 species within a mere 30 acres.
Mr. Varughese pointed out that recreating natural habitats is challenging in limited space, unlike the 336-acre Puthoor facility designed by Jon Coe. He also cautioned against selecting reserve forest areas initially and advised keeping zoos separate from adjacent forest ecosystems, suggesting estates near forests as alternatives.
Establishing a zoo safari necessitates approximately 600 acres and requires substantial financial backing, estimated at ₹750 crore. Mr. Varughese recommended exploring public-private ventures, citing Maharashtra's Gorewada project, to secure funding beyond the State Budget alone.
