“Snakes are here for a purpose, a better one than ours.”
Founder
M.V. RAGHAVAN
(5 May 1933 – 9 November 2014)
Messages
Prof. E. Kunhiraman
Director, MVR Snake Park & Zoo
MVR Snake Park and Zoo has successfully completed a year of unique developments in all sectors since its inception 1982. The administration and work of the center has been streamlined with wholehearted support of the Kerala Forest Department and Central Zoo Authority.
The Snake Park has been upholding the motto “Love Snakes not kill them” envisaged by the founder of this center, Shri. M. V. Raghavan. The goal of the zoo is to convert it into a renowned Reptile Park housing reptiles of the region and rare exotic species.
We are sure that we could achieve the goals by the wholehearted support of dedicated employees, tourists, public and support from higher authorities like Forest department Government of Kerala and Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (Government of India)
Avinash Girija
CEO, MVR Snake Park & Zoo
Stories define the character of an entity and lends to its charm, be it an individual or an institution. In 1964, my grandfather, M.V. Raghavan, a social reformer and visionary par excellence, established the Pappinisseri Visha Chikitsa kendram, a much needed health centre to provide emergency care to snake bite victims of North Malabar region, catering especially to the economically vulnerable sections. This was a revolution at that period, an integrated approach providing free and easily accessible healthcare to all. An unforeseen complication arose in the form of a number of snakes brought to the center for the purpose of identification of bite by victim’s guardians. Usually brutaly mauled or killed.
The challenge then was to treat and rehabilitate the injured snakes, at the same time educating the community. Thus was founded the Parassinikadavu Snake Park under the guidance of Padmasri Romulus Whitaker.
It has been a long journey for great mission.
As CEO, I took on the responsibility of the renovation project in 2013, a precursory step for obtaining zoo recognition for the existing snake park, yet today I am still renovating, in an attempt to provide these friends in our care, their right to space, habitat and medical support. We have consistently been working towards an eco-friendly drive, both in habitat, enrichment and overall zoo area, promoting sustainable ecological practices among the visitors as well.
The vision is to let fellow earth inhabitans be, to see them thrive in as natural a habitat that we can provide, while visitors can view them from within cages of our own, and accept our privilege that we may learn better about them in this manner.
Education plays a big role towards this end and its best to start young. We have initiated a project to bust misconceptions regarding snakes and to build empathy towards wildlife among school children primary and higher levels.
The focus will always be on our responsibilities towards the welfare of the lives in our care, and each project of Parassinikadavu Snake Park and Zoo works towards this aim.
“The only good cage is an empty cage” – Lawrence Anthony
Mission
- To mitigate the fear and hatred towards snakes and other wild animals and to instigate love and compassion towards such animals.
- To provide a congenial environment for the rescue and conservation of wild animals and to create a forum for a holistic approach in the field of nature conservation.
- To develop Herpetology Institute and Wildlife Institute for awareness program championing the need of wildlife protection and to create a knowledge centre for conservation efforts.
MVR Snake Park & Zoo provides an excellent way to get a glimpse of the unfathomed behaviour of different snakes in enclosures resembling natural habitat. Snake Park boasts rich collection of snakes from small Hump Nosed Pit Viper to Large Indian Rock Python; Non- Venomous Rat Snake to world largest venomous snake King Cobra. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is home for 31 species of animals and is insipiring a passion for wildlife and conservation in Visitors of all ages. The founders got inspiration from Sri. Romulus Whitaker, the famous conservationist and Herpetologist who was instrumental in the establishment of Snake Park and Crocodile Park in Chennai.
A Gentle Breeze Whispered Through the Trees, as Snakes Slithered Gracefully in Harmony with Nature.
Mammals
Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)
The Jungle cat is a medium-sized wild feline found in wetlands, grasslands, and dense forests across Asia and the Middle East. It preys on rodents, birds, and amphibians, using its sharp senses and stealthy hunting techniques. Its tawny coat and elusive nature make it a distinctive predator in its environment.
Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
The Asian palm civet is a small, nocturnal mammal found in forests, plantations, and urban areas across South and Southeast Asia. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, playing a key role in seed dispersal. Its masked face and secretive habits make it an elusive yet vital part of its ecosystem.
Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata)
The bonnet macaque is a social and adaptable primate found in forests, temple complexes, and urban areas across southern India. It feeds on fruits, seeds, and human scraps, displaying remarkable intelligence and agility. Its distinctive cap-like tuft of hair and playful nature make it a recognizable species in its habitat.
Aves
Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
The Indian peafowl is a vibrant and iconic bird found in forests, agricultural lands, and urban gardens across the Indian subcontinent. It feeds on seeds, insects, and small reptiles, using its sharp eyesight to forage. Its iridescent plumage and elaborate courtship displays make it one of the most striking birds in its habitat.
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
The emu is a large, flightless bird found in open grasslands, forests, and arid regions across Australia. It feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, using its powerful legs for foraging and defense. Its towering stature and swift running ability make it a remarkable species in its habitat.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
The black kite is a medium-sized bird of prey found in open woodlands, wetlands, and urban areas across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It scavenges on carrion and hunts small prey, using its keen eyesight and soaring flight skills. Its forked tail and graceful gliding make it a familiar sight in the skies.
White-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
The white-necked stork is a large wading bird found in wetlands, rivers, and marshes across South and Southeast Asia. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, using its long, sharp bill to hunt in shallow waters. Its striking white and black plumage, along with its distinctive long neck, makes it a prominent figure in its habitat.
Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera)
The silver pheasant is a striking bird found in the forests and foothills of Southeast Asia. It feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, foraging on the ground under dense foliage. Its brilliant white and silver plumage, coupled with its long, iridescent tail, makes it one of the most beautiful pheasants in its native habitat.
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The barn owl is a nocturnal bird of prey found in open fields, farmlands, and urban areas across the world. It hunts rodents and small mammals, using its silent flight and exceptional hearing. Its heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance make it one of the most recognizable owls in its habitat.
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
The Brahminy kite is a striking bird of prey found in coastal wetlands, rivers, and open forests across South and Southeast Asia. It feeds on fish, carrion, and small animals, using its sharp talons and keen vision. Its contrasting chestnut plumage and white head make it a distinctive sight in its habitat.
Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis)
The brown fish owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) is a large species of owl found across parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. It is notable for its striking appearance, with brown plumage, streaked with darker shades, and large, expressive yellow eyes. This owl has prominent, short ear tufts and a powerful, hooked beak adapted for its diet.
Reptiles
Indian King Cobra (Ophiophagus kaalinga)
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world, found in forests, grasslands, and dense woodlands across the western ghats. It primarily preys on other snakes, including venomous ones, using its agility and powerful venom to overpower its prey. Its distinctive, wide hood and sleek body make it one of the most impressive and revered snakes in its natural habitat.
Russell’s Viper
Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) is a highly venomous snake known for its distinctive chain-like pattern of oval markings along its body. It is responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in its range.
Common Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa)
The common rat snake is a non-venomous species found in forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas across South and Southeast Asia. It preys on rodents, birds, and eggs, using its speed and agility to hunt. Its slender body and calm nature make it a beneficial snake in controlling pest populations, though it can be mistaken for venomous species due to its similar appearance.
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Kraits (genus Bungarus) are highly venomous snakes that are usually nocturnal. They are known for their banded appearance and potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
Hump Nosed – Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale)
Pit Vipers (family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae) are characterized by the heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils. This group includes a variety of species, many of which are venomous and possess hemotoxic venom that affects blood and tissues.
Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
The park also houses several species of non-venomous pythons. These large constrictors kill their prey by coiling around them and suffocating them. Pythons are known for their impressive size and strength.
Indian Spectacled Cobra
Known for the distinctive spectacle-shaped mark on its hood, the Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) is one of the most iconic and widely recognized snakes in India. It is highly venomous and plays a significant role in Indian culture and mythology.
Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon aulicus)
The common wolf snake is a non-venomous species found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas across South Asia. It preys on small reptiles, amphibians, and eggs, using its quick strikes and agility to capture prey. Its slender body and distinct black and white banding make it a fascinating and beneficial species, often mistaken for a venomous snake.
Montane Trinket Snake (Coelognathus helena monticollaris)
The montane trinket snake is a non-venomous species found in hilly forests of the Western Ghats in India. It preys on rodents, birds, and lizards, using its agility and keen hunting skills. Its striking pattern and secretive behavior make it a unique snake in its habitat.
Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta)
The green vine snake is a non-venomous species found in tropical forests and plantations across South and Southeast Asia. It preys on small birds, lizards, and insects, using its long, slender body and excellent camouflage to ambush prey. Its vibrant green color and thin, elongated appearance make it a master of blending into its leafy environment.
Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator)
The checkered keelback is a non-venomous snake found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, ponds, and marshes across South and Southeast Asia. It preys on fish, amphibians, and small reptiles, using its swimming ability to hunt in water. Its distinct checkered pattern on the back and semi-aquatic lifestyle make it easily recognizable in its natural environment.
Common Sand Boa (Eryx johnii)
The common sand boa is a non-venomous snake found in dry, arid regions, grasslands, and rocky areas across the Indian subcontinent. It preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its burrowing abilities to ambush its prey. Its stout, cylindrical body and sandy, patterned skin help it blend seamlessly into its environment, making it a master of camouflage in desert-like habitats.
Red Sand Boa (Eryx conicus)
The red sand boa is a non-venomous snake found in dry, arid regions, and scrublands across the Indian subcontinent. It preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its burrowing skills to ambush its prey. Its reddish-brown, smooth, and patterned skin helps it blend into the sandy, rocky terrain, making it a well-camouflaged predator in its environment.
Other Reptiles
Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica)
The Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) is a species of tortoise native to the Western Ghats of India. It is a medium-sized tortoise, with adults reaching about 30 cm in length. Known for its high-domed, dark brown or black shell, it has distinctive yellow markings on its limbs and head.
Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
The red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic turtle species native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. It is named for the distinctive red markings around its ears and its habit of sliding quickly into the water when startled. These turtles have a smooth, oval-shaped shell with green and yellow patterns, and their skin is striped with yellow and green
MUGGER CROCODILE (Crocodylus palustris)
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), also known as the marsh crocodile or Indian crocodile, is a medium-to-large-sized species of crocodile native to freshwater habitats in the Indian subcontinent, including rivers, lakes, and marshes. It is primarily found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Iran
Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
The marsh crocodile, also known as the mugger crocodile, is a medium-sized reptile found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and swamps across the Indian subcontinent. It preys on fish, birds, and mammals, using its powerful jaws and ambush tactics to capture prey. Its broad snout and semi-aquatic lifestyle make it a dominant predator in its environment.
Indian Black Terrapin (Melanochelys trijuga)
The Indian black terrapin is a freshwater turtle found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish, playing a role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Its dark, domed shell and semi-aquatic habits make it a well-adapted species in its wetland habitat.
Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis)
The Bengal monitor lizard is a large, terrestrial reptile found in forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It preys on insects, small mammals, birds, and eggs, using its strong limbs and sharp claws for hunting and digging. Its muscular body, forked tongue, and keen sense of smell make it a skilled predator and scavenger in its habitat.
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ZOO CREW
PRESIDENT –M.V NIKESH KUMAR
DIRECTOR – PROF. E. KUNHIRAMAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – AVINASH GIRIJA
VETERINARY OFFICER – Dr. ANJU MOHAN.S
CURATOR – AMALJITH. A.T
CHIEF SUPERVISOR – SUDHAKARAN. T.V
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H. R – BINDHU M.K
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Plan A Visit
- Zoo Hours – 8 AM – 6 PM
- Adults – 50
- Kids 4 – 12 age – 30
Our Sister Concerns
Pappinisheri Visha Chikilsa Kendram
MVR Ayurveda Medical College Hospital
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MVR Ayurveda Medical College
Ela Restaurant, Catering & Agri Eco Farm
Wave– Ayurveda Cure And Care For Women
