30 September,2026 01:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Royal Bengal Tiger; Gharial; Indian Sloth Bear. PICS COURTESY/MUMBAI ZOO; FILE PICS
Mumbaikars have heard about conservation in classrooms, but they miss out on seeing it in action," says Dr Abhishek Satam, zoo biologist at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo. Wildlife Week is the perfect time to bring that experience closer to the urban Mumbaikar. Organised by the Zoo and the BMC, conceptualised by the Vanyavani Foundation, a week-long celebration might just light a new spark. As co-organiser Makarand Sawant puts it, "A child who paints a tiger, and hums its folk song remembers it for life. Art is how conservation becomes culture."
Can't step outside? Get your hands on the new landmark title Mammals of India (HarperCollins) by Bombay Natural History Society. Written by senior conservationists AJT Johnsingh and PO Nameer, the book features illustrations, new distribution maps and data on more than 450 mammals in India.
AVAILABLE Leading e-stores
COST Rs 2399
Walk with me
Did you know that the Mumbai Zoo is home to a total of 382 animals and birds, comprising 75 mammals, 248 birds, and 59 reptiles and aquatic animals? Meet them at nature walks all week.
ON October 2 to 4, 9.30 am; October 5 to 8, 10 am
MEETING POINT Main gate, Mumbai Zoo.
On-site explorations
The celebrations will spill out of the Zoo onto the Haji Ali shore. Senior naturalist Pradip Patade will lead a shorewalk to explore the season's tide pool creatures.
ON October 2; 7 am
AT Haji Ali. (Meeting point shared on registration)
Turtle talk
Learn about Olive Ridley turtles through the humorous wildlife play Sangeet Kurmakhyan, directed by Makarand Sawant.
ON October 8; 7 pm
AT Zoo 3D Auditorium
Ground work
Nearly 15 young theatre groups are gearing up to perform street plays around the theme of conservation of urban wildlife. Drop by to learn how you can play your part.
ON October 4; 2.30 pm
AT Zoo Bandstand
Dress for the job
Have a message of wildlife conservation to share? Slip into your best wildlife-themed cosplay and take the stage for a good cause. But choose carefully. Remember, the Zoo strictly prohibits usage of animal-derived props like fur, feathers, hide, etc.
ON October 3; 3.30 pm
AT Zoo Bandstand
Say cheese
Documenting the big cats that coexist with us is no mean feat. Learn how camera traps work at this beginner-friendly live demonstration.
ON October 2 to 8; 10 am onwards
AT Outdoor area
