Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the history of India. The then ruler of Kerala, Swathi Thirunal Rana Varma established this zoo in 1957. He brought, as attractions to the zoo, Royal Bengal Tigers, panthers, deer, boars and a wide variety of other wild animals. Uthrum Thirumal, his brother, along with a British resident, William Cullen built the zoo right next to the Napier Museum. The zoo originally housed the animals in iron cages which were in use in those times. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo houses approximately 85 species of animals from around the world. A house has been especially built for a large selection of snakes, tortoise, turtles and other reptilian creatures. The snake farm includes both venomous and non-venomous snakes. The latest addition to the zoo which has attracted a lot of visitors are anaconda snakes which were a gift from the Sri Lankan Dehiwala Zoo.
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo was built for the purpose of entertainment of the people. However, due to the increase in human encroachment into forest land and the habitats of these animals, the essential purpose of the zoo has changed over the years to the conservation and protection of wild life.
To make the zoo more appealing, the authorities undertook a renovation of the place in 1995. Part of the updating process involved the removal of the old iron cages and replacing them with open enclosures, mimicking the landscape of the wind, created especially to make the environment more natural for the animals. The Kerala Government is also helping the zoo authorities with monetary help and expert advice especially requested from the Central Zoo Authority of India. The zoo has been maintained well and proves to be a delightful experience for children and elders alike with its well-kept animals and enclosures although the zoo has received complaints regarding the chaining of elephants which many regard as cruel.
In the same vicinity is located the famous Napier Museum. Originally built in 1855, the old museum building was broken down and a new more modern structure was built to replace it in the name of Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras.
The Napier Museum and zoo are very well connected with the Kannakannu Palace. It is located approximately 3 km from Thampanoor bus stop and Trivandrum Railway Station right in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram. It is easily accessible from nearby places by KSPTC buses as well as auto-rickshaws which offer low-cost and easy modes of transport. The zoo is open on all days except on Mondays. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Only on Wednesdays, does the time differ with the museum opening at 1 pm and closing at the same time as every day.
The entry fares to the zoo are very reasonable. For children under the age of 5 years, entry is free and children between the ages of 6 years to 14 years are charged with a minimal Rs. 3. Adults have to pay a price of Rs. 5 per person, however, a family ticket will cost you only Rs. 15 to get in. Students in groups of up to 35 people accompanied by 2 teachers can purchase a pass costing Rs. 100 for all.
Visiting the zoo as well as the museum usually takes up almost an entire day. Both attractions have been very well preserved and maintained by the authorities. A visit to this zoo is a must if and does count for a day very well spent and totally worth the time.