Thiruvananthapuram campaigners plan committee to oppose zoo relocation

Former Thiruvananthapuram mayor V.K. Prasanth announced an October 12 meeting to form a committee opposing the relocation of the city zoo's animals.

Prasanth alleged that Kerala's government was considering moving animals to Vantara in Gujarat and Puthur zoo in Thrissur, and that officials had been sent to Vantara. These are his claims rather than confirmation of a final transfer decision.

He cited remarks by museums and zoos minister O.J. Janeesh about private partnerships and sponsorship. The Hindu reported that the minister noted the earlier Thrissur zoo move had taken 16 years and said the government wanted to avoid such a lengthy wait.

Prasanth fears commercial use of the site and loss of trees on the museum-and-zoo campus. That does not establish that tree removal has been authorised. The public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Sathyan Memorial Hall to press for retaining the zoo at its current location.