Yes, the gods who govern our public 'attractions' are at it again. This time, and we must reiterate with extreme disappointment, plans are afloat to bring down all kinds of exotic species to the Byculla zoo. This decision came in the wake of the most recent development where additional land (seven acres) has just been acquired adjacent to its current premises.

The zoo, set up way back in 1862, is clearly entering into new terrain as part of this ambitious 'makeover' plan. Instead of the recent death of the infant Humboldt penguin acting as an eye-opener to avoid such misadventures, the authorities, on the contrary, seem to have turned a blind eye to the loss of the little inhabitant. According to this new plan, the plot will be divided into African, Australian and South American zones for animals from those continents. Imagine a kangaroo, a cheetah and a common marmoset having to adjust to this new landscape.