Zoological

One of the first zoos in India is located in a well-planned botanical garden. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an annexe to the Museum in 1857 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors.  This Zoo was originally set up for recreational purpose only but with the depletion of forest and wildlife, the goal of the Zoo changed from recreation to conservation. Today Zoos are seen as the last resort for endangered animals and birds. The Central Zoo Authority established in 1992 under the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India, enforces uniform management code to all the Zoos in the country and provide financial and technical support for the Zoos.

The Zoo offer a rare opportunity for visitors to experience and enjoy an unparalleled pictureisque and panoramic sylvan surroundings beside vivid animal collections. It is spread over in 55 acres of land located in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram. The Zoo has 75 different species of animals not only from India but from abroad also. It also has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian Zoo geographic regions. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr,  Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna. Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, Cape Buffalo are the guests from African region. It will usher in a new era with the completion of the ongoing modernisation works in the Zoo. Thrilling encounters with the animals out in their open air landscapes are not too far.

With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Visiting Time: 0900 - 1815 hrs. Closed on Mondays