Asiatic lions to be brought to Mumbai Zoo under new animal exchange proposal with Sakkarbaug Zoo

Officials said that the exchange is part of efforts to strengthen conservation, breeding and animal diversity initiatives. Representational Pic/File

Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo (VJBB Zoo) in Mumbai on Monday formally approved a proposed animal exchange programme with Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden involving Asiatic lions, giraffes, Indian one-horned rhinos and tufted capuchin monkeys.

The proposal was confirmed in an official communication issued by Mumbai Zoo Director Dr S A Tripathi.

Under the proposed exchange programme, Sakkarbaug Zoo is expected to transfer four Asiatic lions - two males and two females - to Mumbai's VJBB Zoo, an official statement.

In exchange, VJBB Zoo has proposed the following offering:

- Two male and two female giraffes

- One male and one female Indian one-horned rhinoceros

- Six tufted capuchin monkeys (three males and three females)

Officials said that the exchange is part of efforts to strengthen conservation, breeding and animal diversity initiatives between the two zoos in Mumbai and Gujarat.

Capuchin monkeys to be procured through agency

According to the letter, VJBB Zoo has agreed to facilitate the procurement of tufted capuchin monkeys through an authorised agency.

The zoo administration stated that all statutory permissions, Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, quarantine procedures, transportation rules and other required protocols would be followed during the process, the statement said.

Proposal for direct transfer to Sakkarbaug Zoo

VJBB Zoo has proposed that the capuchin monkeys, once brought to India, should be transported directly to Sakkarbaug Zoo instead of first arriving in Mumbai, the statement further said.

The officials said that this arrangement would reduce transportation stress and repeated handling of the animals.

The letter stated that quarantine and acclimatisation procedures could be carried out directly at Sakkarbaug Zoo to help the animals adapt more effectively to their new environment.

Focus on animal welfare and safety

The officials said that the zoo administration emphasised that conducting quarantine and acclimatisation at the final destination would support better animal welfare and management.

The agency responsible for procuring the monkeys is also expected to assist with quarantine-related procedures after the animals arrive in India, they said.

The Mumbai Zoo officials said it looks forward to continued cooperation with Sakkarbaug Zoo for the successful implementation of the programme.