Right in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city lies an oasis, a sanctuary for all sorts of wild animals and birds. Considered to be the oldest of its kind in Asia, the Zoological Park in the capital city of Kerala was built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma back in 1857. As attractions to the Zoo, he brought Royal Bengal Tigers, boars, panthers, deers and a host of other wild animals. While originally the animals were housed in iron cages, today each animal is put in enclosures that mimic natural environments. Currently, the Zoo is home to 1025 different animals from 98 species.

A separate structure has also been constructed for the exceptionally large collection of turtles, snakes, tortoises and other reptilian creatures. The snake farm has a plethora of venomous and non venomous snakes. Recently the Sri Lankan Dehiwala Zoo gifted anaconda snakes which are now one of the biggest highlights of the Zoological Park. 

With a natural lake that is surrounded by beautifully landscaped woods, the environment here offers the inhabitants the best environs possible. There are 93 species of birds including migratory ones. There is also a pond in the Park which serves as a natural habitat for Pelicans, Storks and Herons. The park is also a natural habitat for varied species of damsel flies, spiders, beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, ants and so on. Apart from the fauna there are more than 100 different plant species in the Park that are exotic as well as indigenous. 

Though the Zoo was initially constructed as an option for entertainment, over the years since its inception the essential purpose of the zoo has become one of conservation and protection of wildlife.  The zoo even houses several endangered species and is also participatory in the conservation breeding programmes of Lion Tailed Macaques and in the rearing of orphaned wild animals. Fully equipped with a state of the art Zoo Hospital the veterinary staff on the team is some of the best. 

Spread over 30 acres of land this is one of the largest such zoos in India. As you step through its gates you cannot help but gasp in awe at this sanctuary of biodiversity and wonder. A realm wherein the natural world thrives and every corner reflects the essence of conservation. 

With over fourteen lakh visitors daily, the Zoological Park in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most important educational tools for exploring and understanding the relevance and importance of protecting nature and natural habitats. Irrespective of whether you are a wildlife lover or a nature lover or just someone looking for some quiet time for yourself in the midst of greenery, this zoo surely won’t disappoint you. In the same vicinity of the zoo is the Napier Museum which was originally built in 1855. A newer, more modern structure was built in its place in the name of Lord Napier, the former Governor of Madras. Both the Zoo and Napier Museum are well connected with the Kanakakkunnu Palace which is situated within walking distance. Located barely 3km from Thampanoor Bus Stop and the Trivandrum Railway Station. The Zoo is also easily accessible via local autos or buses.