The newest entrants to Byculla zoo, the Humboldt penguins, have attracted a large amount of public attention. First, is the novelty factor – although the idea was panned in the beginning, bringing them to Mumbai was certainly a novel idea. Then, of course, came the controversy about their survival after one of them died in the prolonged quarantine period.

Just a few days before the opening of the exhibit, this paper had warned in its editorial column that while the zoo authorities and the BMC had taken their fair share of criticism, it is now up to the public to display etiquette and steer clear of any boorishness when it comes to visiting the penguins.