The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (Trivandrum Zoo) is one of the oldest zoological parks in Asia

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (popularly known as the Trivandrum Zoo) is one of the oldest zoological parks in Asia. Located in the heart of Kerala's capital, it spans over 55 acres of lush greenery, botanical gardens, and natural lakes. Origins & Royal History The Royal Seeds (1830s): The concept originated with Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the ruler of Travancore. He established a private menagerie at his royal stables, collecting wild animals like tigers, panthers, and elephants, alongside exotic species. Official Establishment (1857–1859): The zoo was officially established between 1857 and 1859 by his successor, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, along with British Resident General William Cullen. It was built as a public recreation center and an extension of the adjacent Napier Museum. Key Modern Details Enclosure Transformation: Originally built with old-style iron-barred cages, a major modernization project launched in 1995 converted the exhibits into open-moated, naturalistic habitats. Wildlife & Conservation: The zoo houses over 80 species, including Royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, and green anacondas. It actively participates in the national conservation breeding program for the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. Spanning 55 acres in the center of Kerala's capital, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is recognized as one of the oldest zoological parks in Asia. Key Historical Milestones Royal Beginnings (1830s): Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma established a private royal menagerie featuring wild cats, boars, and elephants. Public Founding (1857): His brother Uthram Thirunal and British Resident General William Cullen officially opened the site to the public as an annex to the iconic, Indo-Saracenic Napier Museum. Modernization (1995–Present): Supported by the Central Zoo Authority, a multi-phase revamp replaced vintage iron cages with spacious, open-moated, and naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare. Exhibits & Biodiversity Fauna & Species: Home to over 1,000 animals across nearly 100 species, including Royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, white tigers, Asian elephants, and African imports like giraffes and zebras. Reptile House & Avian Life: Features a dedicated snake park with venomous and non-venomous species, including green anacondas. The central natural lake hosts over 90 species of local and migratory birds. Conservation: Actively participates in breeding programs for endangered native species, such as the Lion-Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur.