Established in 1857 by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo initially served as a menagerie for the royal family. Later, under the guidance of William Cullen Napier, the then Governor of Madras, it was transformed into a public zoological garden. Over the years, the zoo has expanded its collection and facilities, focusing on conservation and education. It plays a significant role in breeding endangered species and raising awareness about wildlife protection.