Security Lapses at Puthur Zoo Lead to Death of 10 Deer

A shocking security breach at the newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 deer, mauled by stray dogs that breached the enclosures, prompting an immediate investigation and raising alarms about the facility's preparedness just weeks after its October 28, 2025, opening. The incident, discovered early Tuesday morning, November 11, has forced officials to suspend animal transfers and visitor registrations temporarily, with wildlife experts now on-site to probe the lapses. As Kerala's ambitious "designer zoo"—billed as Asia's second-largest and India's first of its kind—aims to showcase naturalistic habitats, this tragedy underscores the challenges of integrating urban wildlife conservation with stray animal management in a densely populated state.

The Puthur Zoological Park, sprawling across 336 acres on the outskirts of Thrissur, was envisioned as a modern alternative to the ageing 100-year-old Thrissur Zoo, featuring 23 open enclosures for 534 animals from 80 species, including endangered ones like the Asiatic lion and Bengal tiger. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's inauguration highlighted its eco-friendly design with moats, bomas, and aviaries mimicking natural ecosystems, but critics have long warned of vulnerabilities in perimeter fencing and predator-proofing during the phased relocation of over 100 animals already underway.

Stray dogs, a pervasive issue in Kerala exacerbated by rabies outbreaks and inadequate sterilisation drives, reportedly exploited a weak section of the boundary wall near the deer paddock, entering under cover of night and attacking a herd of spotted deer acquired from nearby sanctuaries. Post-mortem examinations, overseen by a team led by wildlife veterinarian Dr Arun Zacharia, are expected to confirm the cause within 48 hours, while forensic analysis of paw prints and bite marks could reveal the pack's size and origin.

In response, the Kerala Forest Department has deployed a multi-agency task force, including local panchayat officials and NGO volunteers, to reinforce fencing, install motion-sensor cameras, and launch a culling drive for feral dogs in the vicinity—measures echoing similar incidents at Bannerghatta National Park in 2023, where 15 spotted deer met the same fate. Zoo Director Nagaraj, reached for comment, declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing probe, but sources indicate internal audits are underway to assess staffing shortages; the park currently operates with just 20 guards for its vast expanse, far below the recommended ratio. Authorities have withheld CCTV footage despite media requests, fuelling speculation of delayed response times, as logs show the breach occurred around 2 a.m. without immediate alerts. This opacity has drawn flak from animal rights groups like FIAPO, who demand transparency and compensation for the affected herds.

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Currently limited to advance bookings for school and college groups—with public access slated for early December—the park's soft launch has been a boon for educational outreach, hosting over 5,000 students since opening. However, the deer killings threaten to delay full operations and erode public trust in a project costing over ₹300 crore, funded partly by ecotourism levies. Environmentalists point to broader systemic failures, including Kerala's 2024 stray dog population estimated at 2.5 lakh, often driven into peri-urban areas by habitat loss. As the inquiry unfolds, stakeholders urge integrating community-driven sterilisation under the ABC (Animal Birth Control) programme, potentially partnering with models like Mumbai's BMC initiative that reduced attacks by 40% in zoos. This incident, while tragic, could catalyse stronger safeguards, ensuring Puthur evolves into the safe haven its designers promised for both wildlife and visitors.

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