Nature lovers, children, and wildlife enthusiasts now have a brand-new destination to explore as the sprawling Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur opened its gates to the public on February 28 (Saturday), ushering in a fresh era of conservation and eco-tourism in Kerala.
Set amidst a vast natural landscape, the park invites visitors to walk with nature and experience the wilderness up close. The inaugural morning saw Forest and Wildlife Minister A.K. Saseendran and Revenue and Housing Minister K. Rajan among the first visitors, marking a historic moment for the State.
The new park fulfils a long-pending vision — relocating the century-old zoo from its cramped Chembukkavu premises to an expansive, habitat-rich environment. Officials describe it as a project born out of strong governmental will and a commitment to modern conservation values.
‘Zoo without bars’
Designed by internationally acclaimed zoo architect Jon Coe, the park redefines the very idea of a zoo. Conceptualised as a “zoo without bars,” it replaces cages with carefully recreated natural habitats, allowing animals to thrive in environments that mirror their native ecosystems while offering visitors an immersive wilderness experience.
