Mysuru Approves South India’s First Penguin Park at Karanji Lake
Mysuru is gearing up to establish South India’s first dedicated penguin park at Karanji Lake, reviving a long-pending aquarium project into an ambitious, climate-controlled facility under a public-private partnership. The project aims to elevate the city’s eco-tourism offerings while integrating sustainable design, gender-neutral operations, and zero-emission infrastructure.
A fresh chapter in Mysuru’s urban ecological landscape is underway as the city prepares to host South India’s first penguin park, marking a significant step in environmentally sustainable tourism and public-private collaboration. Approved during a recent board meeting with top forest and zoo officials, the proposed facility will transform the half-built aquarium at Karanji Lake into a climate-controlled habitat for penguins, bringing a unique blend of education, conservation, and tourism to the region. Constructed at a cost exceeding ₹4 crore and later handed over to the state’s zoo authority, the site remained dormant until officials proposed converting it into a penguin exhibit.
What makes the penguin park a standout is its ambitious micro-climatic design. Penguins are native to frigid habitats, and their welfare in a tropical country demands artificial environmental engineering. The facility will maintain sub-zero ambient and water temperatures through advanced cooling systems, powered by round-the-clock energy supply. Officials indicate that the installation of these systems, along with habitat simulation and operational requirements, could cost between ₹30 and ₹40 crore. Such an initiative raises questions about energy sustainability. Officials involved in the planning process assert that renewable sources, including rooftop solar grids and low-emission energy backups, are being explored to power the facility’s critical systems.
The park is set to welcome 4 to 5 penguin pairs initially, with medical and veterinary facilities to be developed on site. Animal welfare experts, while backing the park’s educational potential, have recommended strict compliance with international care standards to prevent stress-induced behavioural issues among the penguins. Mysuru’s civic authorities have also emphasised gender inclusivity and equitable employment opportunities as part of the operational plan.
With a focus on training women staff in animal care, vet services, and technical roles, the facility aims to build a gender-neutral ecosystem within its workforce. This development comes at a time when Karnataka is actively pursuing climate-sensitive tourism and infrastructure models across its cities. The penguin park is expected not only to attract visitors but also to serve as a research and conservation centre.
