Kerala Turns to Karnataka for Guidance on Country’s First Designer Zoo

Kerala: After Karnataka’s recent cooperation with Andhra Pradesh in wildlife matters, Kerala is now following suit, reaching out for support in developing India's inaugural designer zoo in Puthur, near Thrissur.

On Thursday, Kerala’s Forest Minister AK Saseendran met with his Karnataka counterpart Eshwar Khandre, requesting both the exchange of animals and technical guidance, particularly in the domain of in-situ wildlife conservation, a space where Karnataka has set a precedent.

The Forest Minister highlighted structural differences between the states’ zoo administration models. “This is the first time the forest department will be setting up a zoological park designed by globally acclaimed zoo designer Jon Coe on 136.8 acres. The park will be open to public by Aug end,” he said. Kerala’s zoo system currently falls under its museums and zoos department, unlike Karnataka, where such facilities are overseen directly by the forest department.

The minister also expressed interest in acquiring surplus animals from Karnataka zoos. According to sources speaking to TOI, Kerala has shown particular interest in obtaining a pair of great hornbills, sloth bears, and Indian gaurs.

Karnataka officials, however, clarified that any such exchange would need to follow the Central Zoo Authority’s (CZA) established ‘Animal Exchange’ programme. In a lighter moment, Karnataka's forest team jokingly offered leopards, quipping that they had “plenty to spare.”

Beyond zoo collaborations, the two ministers also delved into broader ecological concerns. Discussions included updates on the deemed forest classifications, policy measures undertaken by both states, and the ongoing implementation of the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations.

Kerala’s move signals a growing trend among Indian states to modernize wildlife management strategies by pooling expertise and adopting global standard, particularly in the face of mounting conservation and habitat challenges.