18 July,2026 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
Byculla Zoo will procure six tufted capuchin monkeys from abroad to exchange for two pairs of Asiatic lions. Representation pics/istock
Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Botanical Garden and Zoo (Byculla Zoo) will get two pairs of Asiatic lions from Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo by the end of the year. The Byculla Zoo has begun the process of procuring three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys from abroad to exchange with Sakkarbaug Zoo in return for the lions.
A senior civic official told mid-day on Friday, "We are procuring the capuchin monkeys through an international agency. As per our agreement with Sakkarbaug Zoo, we will receive the lions in exchange for the monkeys. The entire process is likely to take two to five months, so the lions should arrive by December 2026."
The Asiatic lion enclosure, built during Phase I of the zoo expansion project, is currently vacant. "The zoo has completely prepared the Asiatic lion enclosure," Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said on Friday. "Everything is ready, and we are awaiting the lions. I recently followed up with Sakkarbaug Zoo and was assured that the timelines will be met. I would also like to visit the zoo during the exchange and convey Mumbai's gratitude." According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the 2000 sq m lion enclosure features a viewing panel and is designed to resemble the Gir forest habitat.
"We are not procuring them for Mumbai, and they are not part of our planned exotic animal zone. We are procuring three male and three female monkeys exclusively for Sakkarbaug Zoo," an official said.
In its correspondence with Sakkarbaug Zoo, the BMC said it would appoint an agency to procure the monkeys while complying with all statutory permissions, Central Zoo Authority guidelines, quarantine protocols, transport norms, and other applicable procedures.
The BMC has proposed that the monkeys be transported directly to Sakkarbaug Zoo after arriving in India to avoid repeated transportation stress.
In a letter dated February 25, Tawde requested the Gujarat CM to provide two pairs of Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoo. The letter noted that in March 2019, the Central Zoo Authority had allowed the BMC to approach zoos across India for Asiatic lions on an exchange basis. The BMC offered the zoo a pair of zebras, cockatiel grey, cockatiel white, night herons, and hornbills in exchange for the lions.
âConducting quarantine and acclimatisation directly at Sakkarbaug Zoo would help the animals adapt better to the enclosure and management conditions. The agency will provide all necessary assistance regarding quarantine-related measures.'
