Kerala Government Confirms Widespread Animal Infections at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
The Kerala state government has officially acknowledged a serious health crisis at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, revealing that a significant number of animals were affected by infectious diseases over the past year, with multiple fatalities reported. This alarming situation has compelled authorities to implement rigorous preventive and health management protocols at the facility to safeguard the zoo's animal population.
Assembly Disclosure Reveals 142 Infection Cases in 2025
Responding to a critical query in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J Chinchu Rani provided detailed figures, confirming that between January 1 and December 31, 2025, a total of 142 cases of various infections were detected among the zoo animals. The minister emphasized that preventive vaccinations have been administered as a core component of the ongoing disease control strategy.
Tuberculosis Emerges as a Primary Challenge
Tuberculosis has been identified as one of the major infections plaguing the zoo animals, presenting a particularly difficult challenge due to the absence of a definitive treatment for animals. To address this, special monitoring and management procedures are being executed under the direct supervision of the zoo's veterinary surgeon. Expert teams from the State Institute for Animal Diseases in Palode conducted two comprehensive studies during periods when tuberculosis cases were reported, and their recommendations are now being actively implemented.
Comprehensive Health Measures Deployed
In a bid to curb the spread of diseases and reduce mortality, the zoo has rolled out a multi-faceted health management plan:
- Regular immunization against various diseases, coupled with season-specific care protocols, including adjusted feeding patterns during the summer months.
- Administration of nutritional supplements to enhance overall health and bolster immune systems.
- Deployment of dedicated staff for systematic disinfection of enclosures and facilities.
- Implementation of biosecurity protocols as prescribed by the Central Zoo Authority.
- Regular health screenings for zoo staff in coordination with the state health department to prevent zoonotic transmission.
The government maintains that these concerted efforts are designed to fortify disease prevention mechanisms and ensure superior health management for all animals housed at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, aiming to restore and maintain a safe, healthy environment.
