Political debate emerges over proposed relocation of Thiruvananthapuram zoo

A political dispute arose in Kerala over the Chief Minister's proposal to shift the 167-year-old Thiruvananthapuram zoo away from the city centre.

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh supported the relocation to a larger international-standard facility due to climate change pressures and waste management challenges at the current 36-acre site.

Former Mayor V.K. Prasanth opposed the plan, alleging underlying commercial interests to repurpose the heritage green space and highlighting that the existing facility attracts 1.2 million visitors annually.