The Byculla Zoo authorities are busy trying to manage surging crowds drawn to the Humboldt penguin exhibit. While it is good to see people queuing up at the zoo, which seems to be bereft of animals, zoo authorities need to take a good hard look at amenities for visitors.

A report in this paper stated that of the three toilets in the zoo complex that are under construction, two others, which are available, are not properly maintained. The washroom besides the birdcage and another one opposite the elephant cave is in such a bad condition that it is difficult to even access them. While this is specific to the zoo, we see that several public facilities fail to anticipate crowds or rush of visitors, who may need something as basic and necessary as a toilet on the premises.