Vantara is set to play a key role in an animal exchange programme that could bring a pair of zebras back to the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala after nearly nine years. The 170-year-old zoo is preparing to receive two zebras from the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat as part of an exchange arrangement being expedited ahead of the Onam holiday season.
The proposed arrival is expected to become one of the major attractions for visitors during Onam, Kerala’s major 10-day harvest festival, which begins on August 24. Zoo officials are working to complete the necessary formalities and transportation arrangements so the animals can reach Thiruvananthapuram in time for public viewing during the festive period.
Vantara to Send Zebra Pair to Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
The two zebras are being sourced from Vantara, the animal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Gujarat established under the leadership of Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
Officials at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo have confirmed that preparations are underway for the animals’ arrival. The zoo administration hopes the new zebras will be available for visitors during the Onam holidays, giving the public an opportunity to see the animals after a long absence from the zoo’s collection.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Director P S Manjula Devi described the return of zebras as an important development. The animals are expected to provide an additional attraction for visitors at a time when the zoo traditionally sees increased footfall because of the holiday season.
Zebras Returning After Nearly Nine Years
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has been without zebras since 2017. Its previous zebra, Seetha, died after suffering age-related complications.
Seetha had arrived at the zoo in April 2002 from Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, Chennai. Her death left the zoo without zebras for several years.
The proposed arrival of the new pair therefore marks a significant addition to the zoo’s animal collection. The two incoming zebras are aged three and five years and have already undergone a health examination by zoo veterinary surgeon Dr Nikesh Kiran.
According to the zoo authorities, both animals were found to be healthy and fit for relocation. Their medical assessment is an important part of the transfer process, particularly because the animals will have to undertake a long journey from Gujarat to Kerala.
Special Ambulance for Three-Day Journey
The zebras will travel from Gujarat to Thiruvananthapuram by road in a specially designed animal ambulance. The journey is expected to take around three days.
A veterinary team led by Dr Nikesh Kiran will accompany the animals throughout the trip. Their health will be monitored during transportation, with the team responsible for ensuring that the zebras remain safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
The use of a dedicated animal ambulance and the presence of veterinary personnel are intended to reduce risks during the long-distance transfer. The authorities are also working to complete the remaining formalities as quickly as possible because they hope to make the zebras available to the public during the Onam holidays.
What Will Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Give Vantara?
The animal exchange is not a one-way transfer. Under the proposed arrangement, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo will send a male lion-tailed macaque and a king cobra to Vantara.
The zoo currently houses three king cobras, and one of them has been selected for transfer. The exchange will also involve one of the zoo’s five lion-tailed macaques.
The macaque population currently includes three males and two females. An older male lion-tailed macaque will be sent to Vantara as part of the agreement.
The exchange will allow both institutions to add or strengthen their animal collections while supporting the broader management of captive wildlife populations.
Zoo Planning Further Animal Additions
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is also looking beyond the zebra exchange as it plans to expand its collection.
One of the major proposals under consideration is the addition of a giraffe. Zoo officials are exploring the possibility of bringing a giraffe from another country because giraffes are currently not available in Indian zoos.
Authorities are expected to begin the expression-of-interest process for the proposed import shortly. The move could eventually add another major attraction to the historic zoo’s collection, although the process of bringing an animal from overseas involves regulatory, veterinary and logistical requirements.
The zoo is also pursuing a separate plan to acquire a sloth bear from Hampi Zoo in Karnataka. If the proposal moves forward, it would further expand the range of species available for visitors.
Also read: Vantara Niwas Booking Guide: How to Plan a Peaceful Stay at Jamnagar’s Wildlife Conservation Retreat
Onam Could Bring a Major Attraction for Visitors
The return of zebras is particularly significant because the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has not housed the animals since Seetha’s death in 2017. Their arrival during the Onam season could give visitors an additional reason to visit the historic zoo during Kerala’s biggest festive period.
For the zoo administration, the exchange with Vantara is also part of a wider effort to strengthen its animal collection through planned transfers and acquisitions. Along with the zebra pair, future proposals involving giraffes and a sloth bear indicate that the authorities are looking to introduce new species and renew public interest in the zoo.
If the transportation and remaining formalities are completed as planned, the two zebras could become one of the most talked-about new attractions at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo during the upcoming Onam holidays.
