Located on the outskirts of Shivamogga city, the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari – officially known as Shivamogga Zoo – currently operates under the "small zoo" classification. In a bid to elevate its profile, zoo officials have submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), asserting that the institution fulfills two of the three mandatory benchmarks: more than 35 hectares of land and a footfall of 330,000 visitors in the last fiscal year. With over 440 animals representing 36 species, the zoo already exceeds the basic numerical threshold for a medium‑zoo.

Regulatory Framework and Eligibility

The CZA’s guidelines stipulate that a zoo may be designated a medium‑zoo if it satisfies at least two of the following: a minimum of 35 hectares, an annual visitor count of 3.5 lakh, and a population of 350 animals across 35 species. Additionally, the facility must house at least ten endangered species comprising a total of 50 endangered animals. Shivamogga currently cares for seven endangered species with 38 individuals, and is actively seeking to bridge the gap by acquiring eight Indian grey wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) and four gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) from Patna Zoo, along with lesser sulphur‑crested cockatoos and thamin deer.

Conservation Implications

Achieving medium‑zoo status would unlock access to national‑level conservation‑breeding projects, a prospect the zoo’s executive director, V.M. Amarakshara, describes as a “strategic turning point.” The institution already boasts India’s first gaur safari, positioning it uniquely to lead a captive‑breeding program for the Indian gaur (Bos gaurus), a species listed as vulnerable. Such a program could supply healthy individuals for re‑introduction initiatives across the Western Ghats, enhancing regional biodiversity resilience.

Safety Overhaul Post‑Tragedy

The zoo entered headlines earlier this year after a trainee veterinarian, Sameeksha Reddy, was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus. In response, management instituted a robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for animal handling, conducted staff briefings, and introduced crate‑training for sensitive species like the Indian gaur before any inter‑zoo transfers. These measures aim to safeguard both personnel and the increasingly diverse animal collection.

Future Outlook

Pending a technical review by a CZA inspection team, Shivamogga Zoo stands on the cusp of becoming Karnataka’s inaugural medium‑zoo. Beyond the prestige, the upgrade promises heightened funding opportunities, collaborative research ties, and a stronger role in India’s broader wildlife‑conservation agenda.