One day we decided to make a visit to the Trivandrum zoo and take a vlog and also to see how much it has changed since our last visit. Despite the hot sun, the zoo visit was a special one as usual. There were lot of wild animals to see along with a bunch of birds and a dozen of reptiles. Best time to visit would be evenings and early mornings. Mid day would be difficult. A good place to visit for families with children and those who wish to see wild animals and birds through their naked eyes. Trivandrum zoo is a must visit place for those who visit Trivandrum and a good place for families to visit during weekends.
The place is very close to the nature and the concerned have tried their best to keep the animals in their natural habitat itself. There are some places where I felt cleanliness is a concern. Though there are a lot of things to improve, it is a must visit place for people who come to Trivandrum or those who stays in Trivandrum who wants to relax a bit and is interested into seeing wild animals.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an adjunct to the Museum in 1859 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. The typical iron barred, cement floored, dingy animal cages built in the past still stand as monuments of the royal style and architectural supremacy rather than being proper housing for animal. As these cages are outmoded with the changed concepts of zoo management, they are being renovated/replaced by open moated, spacious, nearly natural enclosures in phased manner. This modernization project being implemented since 1995-96 is going on.
The modernization of the zoo is undertaken by the State Government with the financial and technical assistance of the Central Zoo Authority, Government of India. Over the period of time justifications of establishing a zoo have changed from mere exhibition and amusement to research , education and ex-situ conservation. Spread over 30 acres of land and located in the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram, the zoo offers rare opportunity for the visitors to experience and enjoy unparalleled picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides vivid animal collections. Zoo has two natural lakes where more than 60 species of free ranging birds including migratory birds can be seen throughout the year. More than 100 different species of both exotic and indigenous plant varieties inside the zoo provide an excellent ambience to the visitors.
The zoo has more than 100 different species of animals from all over India and abroad. It has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian zoo geographic regions. The Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, one Horned Great Indian Rhino, Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna whereas, Hippo, zebra, Cape Buffalo are the guests from African region, Green Anaconda form South America,Exotic birds like Scarlet Macaw, African Grey Parrot, Black Swan, Palm Cockatoo etc. are also inmates of the zoo. It will usher in a new era with the completion of the ongoing modernization woks. Thrilling experience with the animals out in their open air landscapes are order of the day now.
