Asiatic lions could soon arrive at Mumbai’s Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug, after Gujarat Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel directed officials to expedite the process for an animal exchange between the two zoos.

The development follows a meeting between Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Patel at his official residence in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. Tawde sought Gujarat’s approval for the proposed transfer of Asiatic lions to Mumbai Zoo.