Thrissur: In a major boost to Kerala’s eco-tourism landscape, Puthur Zoological Park will officially open its gates to the public on February 28, Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced. The inaugural public entry will begin at 8 am in the presence of Forest Minister A. K. Saseendran, other ministers, and public representatives. Spread across multiple naturalistic habitats, the park has relocated 330 animals into 14 specially designed enclosures. These include deer, tigers, bison, crocodiles, and lion-tailed macaques shifted from the Thrissur Zoo. The government has also advanced ₹4 crore to procure exotic species such as giraffes, promising visitors a world-class wildlife experience.
The park will remain open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays. Entry tickets are priced at ₹100 for adults, ₹30 for children aged 5–12, and ₹50 for senior citizens, while differently-abled visitors and children up to Class 4 can enter free of cost. Special concessional packages have been arranged for school groups visiting in uniform with prior permission. To enhance visitor comfort, facilities including a cafeteria, food kiosks, and modern toilet blocks are ready. Two non-AC electric buses operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will offer convenient internal transport within the sprawling campus. A dedicated governing society with advisory and executive committees will manage the park, ensuring smooth operations as Kerala prepares to unveil one of its most ambitious wildlife projects.
