Puthur Zoological Park Dedicated to the Nation

Thrissur: What was once a long-cherished dream has finally come alive amid the green hills of Puthur. The Thrissur Zoological Park, India’s first ‘design zoo’, crafted to let animals live as close to the wild as possible, was dedicated to the nation by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Four decades of delay couldn’t dim the vision. It took the LDF government’s determination and 371 crore rupees, funded by KIIFB, to turn 338 acres of forested land into a world-class sanctuary where nature and design walk hand in hand.

Conceptualised by world-renowned zoo designer Jon Coe, the park brings together 24 habitats, each echoing a corner of the planet, from the deep greens of Silent Valley and Iravipuram to the African Zulu plains and the Kanha forests. Even nocturnal creatures get their share of magic, with an enclosure that turns day into night.

Adding to its global charm, India’s first “Hologram Zoo” will open here, letting visitors experience virtual animal safaris across continents. A petting zoo is also on the way, where children and adults can meet friendly exotic animals. To make the visit even more memorable, a double-decker KSRTC bus will soon roll through the park’s scenic pathways. Visitors, however, will need to wait a little, entry will be limited for two months as the animals settle into their new homes.

The park’s dedication ceremony was a celebration in itself, with thousands joining the colourful procession. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event, presided over by Minister A K Saseendran. Ministers K Rajan, K N Balagopal, R Bindu, J Chinchu Rani, Roshy Augustine, K Krishnankutty, K B Ganesh Kumar, Kadannappalli Ramachandran, and P A Mohammed Riyas, along with Special Officer K J Varghese, attended.