The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! Puthur Zoological Park, a monumental project designed as a cutting-edge wildlife sanctuary, is preparing for its grand public opening on October 28th. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially dedicate the park, as announced by Revenue Minister K. Rajan.
Spanning an impressive 336 acres, this park is poised to deliver a global-standard experience. Unlike traditional zoos, animals and birds will freely roam within meticulously crafted, open habitats, rather than confined cages. The visionary master plan, meticulously developed by celebrated Australian zoo architect Jon Coe, has reached completion after years of dedicated, phased construction.
The government’s significant investment in this project totals ₹370.5 crore. This includes ₹40 crore from plan funds, ₹122 crore allocated through KIIFB for the second phase, and an additional ₹208.5 crore for the third phase. Each construction stage underwent rigorous review to ensure optimal progress and quality.
Visitors will discover 23 uniquely themed zones, including the captivating African Zulu Land, the tranquil Kanha Zone, the biodiverse Silent Valley Zone, and the majestic Eravipuram Zone. Each area has been meticulously designed to mirror the natural ecosystems of its resident species, allowing animals to move freely while offering safe and engaging viewing opportunities for guests.
Specialized enclosures have been prepared for nocturnal creatures like owls and reptiles, providing unique chances for tourists to observe animals that typically remain hidden during the day. Animals from the existing Thrissur Zoo are in the process of being relocated, and rare species, such as magnificent white tigers, will be introduced from other reputable zoos across India.
Adding an innovative dimension, a Hologram Zoo is currently being developed, which will allow visitors to encounter animals from every continent through advanced digital projection technology. Furthermore, plans are also in motion to open a delightful Pet Zoo alongside the main park, enhancing the family experience.
With its grand inauguration, Puthur Zoological Park is expected to become a cornerstone of the Ollur tourism corridor. Significant infrastructure upgrades are underway, with road connectivity being elevated to B.M. B.C. standards. A substantial ₹47.30 crore has been sanctioned for land acquisition, complemented by ₹41.29 crore for road construction.
To improve access, a new bridge, costing ₹10 crore, has been constructed alongside the existing Puthur bridge. Additionally, nearby routes, including the Payyappillimoola–Mandamangalam road (₹7 crore) and the Puthur–Puzhampallam–Marathakkara junction road (₹9 crore), have been completely revitalized.
Minister Rajan emphasized that the inauguration will be celebrated as a vibrant, State-wide festival, featuring a diverse array of cultural events. A major organizing committee meeting is scheduled for September 26th at the park to finalize all programmatic details.
“With Puthur Zoological Park, we are not merely opening a zoo; we are ushering in a new realm of learning, leisure, and dedicated conservation efforts for the people of Kerala,” Mr. Rajan proudly stated.