Mumbai civic body launches Rs 490-crore plan to bring exotic animals to Byculla zoo expansion

A white lion, Black jaguar, Lorikeet, Gorilla, Ring-tailed lemurs, Tamarin, Giant anteater, Black swan, Wallaby and Oryx. Representation Pics/iStock

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set in motion its ambitious Rs 490 crore plan to introduce exotic animals as part of its expansion of Byculla's Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo. The expanded area, spanning about 10 acres of land adjacent to the zoo, will have exhibits divided into zones with continent-based themes, with species native to Africa, America, Asia, and Australia. According to a senior official, the BMC will float separate procurement tenders for the animals it aims to have in the zoo.

"We will scout to see which domestic zoos have some of the animals we have planned for our exotic zones. They will be procured through an exchange plan. In some cases, we may have to acquire the animals through international tenders."

Australian Bushwalk entrance

Another official added, "The aim of the entire exhibit and the way it is designed is to focus on the conservation of animals, and not just treat them as exhibits. Each enclosure will be designed specifically for the needs of its respective animals, and a lot of care will be taken."

Cheetah restaurant

Jaguar zone

Hippo

African Savana (Zebra, giraffe, oryx)

White lion

What exotic animals will inhabit enclosures?

' Pumas, emus, black swans, lorikeets, meerkats, tamarins, marmosets
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern

' Tortoises, giant anteaters, giraffes, hippopotamus, white lions, cheetahs
IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable'

' Chimpanzees, ring-tailed lemurs
IUCN Red List status: Endangered

' Gorillas
IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered

' Oryx
IUCN Red List status: Extinct in the wild

' Black jaguars, zebras, wallabies
IUCN Red List status: Near threatened

How different are these enclosures from the rest of the zoo?

At present, enclosures at the Byculla zoo adhere to the habitat of animals, such as those set up for penguins and tigers

What are the public amenities that one can look forward to?

. Entrance plaza
. Public toilet blocks
. Visitor shelters
. Souvenir shop
. A restaurant themed on cheetahs

What features will the enclosures have?

. Viewing gallery for visitors with protective railings for public safety, artificial rockwork, and cultural features with graphic signage.

. Paddock area with red earth and white sand, as per the requirements of the animals in the enclosures, along with water bodies, trees, shrubs, plantations, creepers, or lawns, depending on the habitat requirements

. A holding/resting area, with animal enrichment devices based on animals' requirements

Are the current zookeepers trained to handle exotic animals?

As part of the contract with the agency that will win the bid, a senior veterinarian, a veterinarian, a curator, and a zookeeper will be provided by the contracting agency. An SOP has already been drafted with the specific needs of each of the animals, including eating habits, food requirements, along with nutrition requirements, composition of food, schedule during the day and night, possible parasites they are susceptible to, how they will be dewormed, medical schedule every week, month and year, and ways and requirements for cleaning of enclosures.

Why was the previous enclosure shut down?

This is the very first time that BMC is constructing an exotic animal's enclosure at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo

Rs 490cr
Cost of project

36 month
it is expected to be completed in 36 months from the start of the project