Kerala and Karnataka have signed an agreement to transfer key animal species and share technical expertise for the development of Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur — India’s first “designer zoo.”
During a high-level meeting in Bengaluru, Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre finalized the deal, which will bring iconic wildlife such as the great hornbill, sloth bear, and Indian gaur to Kerala under the Central Zoo Authority’s approved exchange scheme. In a lighter moment, Karnataka even joked about offering leopards, given their abundance in the state.
Spread across 136.8 acres, the state-of-the-art zoo is being designed by world-renowned architect Jon Coe and is slated to open to the public by August-end. Unlike older facilities in Thrissur, the new zoo will be operated by the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, ensuring enhanced conservation practices and professional management.
The zoo has already secured approvals to shift 117 birds, 279 mammals, and 43 reptiles from the old Thrissur Zoo in a phased relocation over six months, significantly enriching its biodiversity.
Beyond animals, the partnership emphasizes knowledge exchange in zoo management and design, setting a national benchmark for eco-tourism and wildlife preservation.
This visionary project underscores the states’ shared commitment to biodiversity, animal welfare, and providing a world-class experience for nature lovers and future generations.
