The long-awaited Thrissur Zoological Park, a major step towards modernising wildlife conservation, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday (October 28). Spread across 338 acres of forest in Puthur, the park ends a decades-long wait to move animals from the cramped Chembukkavu zoo.

Developed with funding from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the facility aims to transform both the visitor experience and animal welfare standards in India.

Pioneering landscape design sets it apart

The Puthur park is India’s first designer zoo, conceptualised by internationally acclaimed Australian zoo designer Jon Coe. His immersive landscape design integrates the area’s natural hills and valleys extending from the Western Ghats, replacing traditional cages with deep trenches and transparent glass barriers.

This innovative setup offers animals a sense of freedom while giving visitors a clear, safe view of their habitats.

World-class attractions and themed zones

Covering 336 acres, the park houses 23 large enclosures and will host around 70 animal species, including Western Ghats endemics like the Nilgiri tahr and exotic species such as the common eland and giraffe.

Its key zones include:

  • Silent Valley Zone – recreates rainforest sights and sounds.
  • African Zululand Zone – home to zebras, giraffes, and other African species.
  • Reptile Zone – featuring the green anaconda.
  • Great Aviary Zone – dedicated to diverse bird species.

The park also features a VR-powered Hologram Zoo offering detailed insights into animal habitats, alongside a petting zoo to nurture compassion among visitors.

Access and phased public opening

All animals from Chembukkavu Zoo have now been successfully relocated to the new site. To ease visitor movement, KSRTC mini-buses will operate inside the park, while double-decker buses will connect Puthur with Thrissur city.

The facility will first open for a two-month trial phase, allowing research scholars and environmental NGOs limited access. A full public opening is scheduled for January 2026.

The visuals of the park have already begun circulating online, highlighting its lush landscape and world-class design.