CM’s plan to relocate city zoo triggers debate
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan proposed moving the 30‑acre Thiruvananthapuram city zoo to a forested area such as Neyyar and converting the vacated land into a public square, prompting opposition from activists, wildlife experts and local residents. Critics argue the plan could harm animal welfare, disrupt urban green space and repeat past mistakes with other wildlife facilities.
- ✓Kerala Chief Minister V.D.
- ✓Satheesan proposed moving the 30‑acre Thiruvananthapuram city zoo to a forested area such as Neyyar and converting the vacated land into a public square, prompting opposition from activists, wildlife experts and local residents.
- ✓Civic Domain: Categorized under states public notices.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced his "dream project" to relocate the historic Thiruvananthapuram zoo from its current city‑center location to a forested site, possibly Neyyar, and to develop the freed‑up 30‑acre parcel into a landscaped public square modeled after Madison Square in New York or the plaza in Prague. The proposal was presented as a measure to improve animal habitats and create a new urban attraction.
The zoo, established in 1859 as an adjunct to the Napier Museum, occupies 30 acres in the heart of the capital and houses hundreds of birds, migratory species, butterflies and rare trees. Satheesan suggested that moving the animals to a more natural forest fringe would reduce cruelty, while the new square would feature visitor amenities. Opponents note that the nearby lion safari park at Neyyar was closed due to space constraints, and the recently built Puthur zoo still requires proper maintenance, raising questions about the practicality of another relocation.
Environmentalists and former zoo personnel, including writer‑activist Sreedevi S. Kartha, environmentalist Veena Maruthoor and ex‑veterinarian Jacob Alexander, have voiced concerns that the plan oversimplifies complex issues such as zoonotic disease risk and the loss of a vital green lung for city dwellers. Residents also point out that the zoo and adjoining museum grounds serve as a daily recreation area for walkers and seniors, and that moving the facility could jeopardise the habitat of numerous bird species and the ecological balance of the area.
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| Issuing Authority | The Hindu National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | STATES |
| Jurisdiction | KL State |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2026 |