Kerala’s Puthur Zoological Park to open for public on February 28

Thrissur’s long-awaited Puthur Zoological Park will be opened to the public on February 28, Revenue Minister K. Rajan has said.

The Minister was speaking to the media at the park’s administration block on Wednesday, confirming that the first public visit will begin at 8 a.m. on the opening day in the presence of Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, other Ministers and elected representatives.

Animals have already been shifted to 14 specially designed habitats at the sprawling park. A total of 330 animals, including deer, tigers, bison, crocodiles and lion-tailed macaques, have been relocated from the Thrissur zoo to the new facility. The Minister also said that an advance of ₹4 crore had been paid to bring exotic species, including giraffes, in the next phase.

Visitor amenities such as cafeteria, four food kiosks and toilet blocks have been completed to ensure basic facilities for the public. Construction of a petting zoo is scheduled to begin in March and is expected to be completed within three months.

Public entry to the park will be allowed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Mondays being holidays, in line with other zoological parks. Ticket rates have been finalised by a high-power committee: ₹100 for adults, ₹30 for children aged 5 to 12, ₹50 for senior citizens, and free entry for persons with disabilities. Kindergarten to Class 4 students will get free entry, while school groups in uniform with approval from the headmaster or Principal will receive concessional packages. One teacher or staff member will be allowed at the same concessional rate for every 20 student.

Parking charges have also been fixed—₹25 for two-wheelers, ₹30 for autorickshaws, ₹100 for cars or jeeps, ₹175 for vans, tempos or mini-buses (up to 32 seats), and ₹250 for buses. Fee for carrying still camera is ₹350, video camera ₹750 and cloakroom service is available at ₹25.

To help visitors explore the vast park, two non-AC electric buses of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation have been readied. The e-bus ride will cost ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children aged 5 to 12.

The park will be managed by a society comprising an advisory committee, executive committee and governing body. The Minister said there would be no political appointments in the society, and it would function under the chairmanship of the Minister concerned with designated officials handling key responsibilities.