Trivandrum Zoo

Zoological Garden,Aquarium and  Museum Thiruvananthapuram
           The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is the oldest zoo in India continuing to exist in its original location in the heart of the temple city Thiruvananthapuram. Similarly the Museum and Botanical Gardens are also the oldest of their kind in the country. Swathi Thirunal Maharaja (1816-1846), illustrious King and Music composer who had ruled Travancore during 1830-1846 is said to be the visionary behind the establishment of the Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo. He had a good collection of animals including elephants in his horse breeding centre. To the Trivandrum stables he incorporated a menagerie and kept tigers, panthers cheetahs, deer, bears and a lioness there. It was however left to his brother Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the then British Resident General Cullen which resulted in the establishment of Museum and Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram. A committee was formed in 1855 with the Maharaja of Travancore as Patron, General Cullen as President, The Elaya Raja as Vice President and Mr. Allen Brown as Secretary of the Committee and the Director of Museum. The Museum was thrown open to the Public in September 1857. But the Museum by itself could not attract the people much, and therefore a Zoo and a park were started in 1859.

This Zoological garden is unique in India for its breathtaking landscapes and luxuriant growth of vegetation. Royal look of lofty trees, towering bamboos, lush green landscapes give it a rare distinction of being one of the most beautiful zoos in South East Asia. Spread over 36 acres of land and located in the heart of the city it provides a respite for the people of Thiruvananthapuram as much it offers tourism and recreation for visitors reaching from outside Kerala and overseas.

Objectives

Wildlife conservation with special emphasis to the species endemic &   endangered in the Western Ghats.
Education and Nature awareness
Wildlife Research
Eco Tourism
Animal collection and Display

Zoos were considered as picnic spots in the past. Now, they are managed as conservation and education centres where captive breeding of rare and endangered animals and birds is undertaken. More and more information on Wildlife Conservation and Management is generated through scientific research.

Accordingly, there is shift in policy of animal, collection in the Zoo from 'unlimited animals and limited facilities' to 'limited animals and adequate facilities'. This is aimed at putting up natural display of animals and birds similar to their occurrence in wild to enable them to live naturally and to pass on the right message to visitors.

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