Rani-like treatment
Updated On: 02 November, 2020 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
Our sutradhaars wonder when the historic Byculla Zoo aka Rani Baug will get a much-needed upgrade while neighbours Gujarat have opened a zoological safari in record time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sardar Patel Zoological Park & Arogya Van in Kevadia, Gujarat, last week
"Edward was looking a bit upset this morning, when he came by for his monthly Sunday provisions to Crawford [Market]. He was hoping to meet you, but I informed him that you were tied up with domestic chores," Lady Flora updated her friend during their weekend walk down SoBo's favourite parts. She was referring to King Edward VII whose home was inside the Byculla Zoo aka Rani Baug. This time, they decided to head further south, towards Colaba's quieter bylanes, because unlocking of the city meant more crowds flocked to their usual hangouts.
"Did he say why he was upset? I hope it had nothing to do with the fact that he was missing the buzz of visitors at the zoo," Sir PM asked. "It's about a more serious issue, and a relevant one," his friend revealed, "It had to do with this recent news that he caught wind of. All the way from Gujarat, actually…" Before she could proceed, Sir PM interrupted, "From…from Gujarat, you say? Did something happen in Navsari?" Lady Flora hated when he did that; "Pheroze, will you let me finish? Like I was saying, Edward heard that a brand new zoological safari had opened in Kevadia, spread across nearly 400 acres. They even have an airplane service to reach this place. And guess what, Pheroze? The place is supposed to house over 100 species of animals and birds, including wallaby, llama and alpaca, as well as wildebeest and impala, world-class aviaries; they even have a petting zoo, Edward revealed. Of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger and other species from India will also be seen here."




