The Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO) board confirmed on Tuesday that Dusit Zoo will be relocated out of the city to a new site in Pathum Thani.
The announcement ends speculation over the future of the zoo which first opened 79 years ago. However, ZPO director, Benjapol Nakprasert, did not say when the zoo and its animals will be moved to their new home.
The board, he said, has only decided that there should be two working groups to oversee its relocation.
The first working group will oversee animal relocation.The other will oversee the construction of the zoo which is to be located on a 300 rai land plot in Pathum Thani.
The plot was donated last month by His Majesty the King.
It is still unclear what will happen to the present site after the move.
At present, the board is surveying the new location in preparation for the design and construction.
Mr Benjapol dismissed concerns over relocating more than 1,000 animals, saying zoo staff were experienced and capable of doing the job.
The board will hold another meeting in January next year to discuss the relocation plans further.
A source said it might be another three years before moving the animals could begin.
Construction of the zoo will require a budget of around one billion baht.
Dusit Zoo is the country's oldest public zoo with around 2 million visitors each year, generating an income of 120 million baht per annum.
Situated on 100 rai of land, Dusit Zoo is located close to some of the city's most famous landmarks including the parliament building.
Its new location in Pathum Thani will provide more space and a more open environment.
