Debate rages over plan to shift Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Keralam

The debate over relocating Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Kerala intensified as former Mayor V.K. Prasanth opposed the plan, while current Mayor V.V. Rajesh supported it. Rajesh, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), argued that the zoo's relocation needed to be discussed constructively, citing increasing temperatures due to climate change that were causing animal deaths.

Additionally, the zoo lacked certain species that were once present, disappointing visitors. Experts also pointed out the zoo's inability to handle waste, heat, and noise pollution efficiently within its current space. By moving the zoo to a more suitable location, away from the city, with a larger area and international standards, animal lives could be saved, and rare species could be protected.

Rajesh also pointed out that Thiruvananthapuram city now attracts more international attention compared to when the zoo was established. However, Prasanth, from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), suspected commercial motives behind the move to shift the zoo, suggesting that it might be used to hand over the land to businessmen.

Prasanth emphasized that the 167-year-old zoo is a significant part of the city's heritage, attracting 12 lakh visitors annually and generating Rs.8 crore in income. Located in the city center, the zoo is accessible to the general public, including children, at a low cost. Moving the zoo to Neyyar or Palode would make it difficult for people to access it due to transportation issues.

Wildlife biologist Easa, however, stated that the Chief Minister had only initiated a discussion and not imposed a decision, and the proposal should be evaluated from a conservation perspective rather than recreation. Easa also raised concerns about potential zoonotic diseases if the zoo was shifted near forests and the value zoos could bring in raising awareness about animal conservation and habitats. Easa suggested looking at zoos like the one in Singapore as models for relocation.