Byculla Zoo Awaits Gujarat Nod For Asiatic Lions

Mumbai's Byculla Zoo is awaiting the final approval from the Gujarat government to bring four Asiatic lions to the city. The zoo plans to float a tender to procure three pairs of Capuchin monkeys, which will be exchanged with Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoo for two pairs of Asiatic lions.

The approval process is currently underway, with the Sakkarbaug Zoo having given initial approvals. However, the final nod from the Gujarat government is still pending. Once the approval is received, a state-level committee will give its approval, following which the tender will be floated to procure the Capuchin monkeys.

The expected cost of procuring the monkeys is up to Rs 1 crore. The monkeys are available in Asian countries like Vietnam and Malaysia. The BMC expects to complete the procedure by the end of the year.

Mayor Ritu Tawde has personally intervened to revive the long-pending proposal to procure Asiatic lions. She plans to visit Sakkarbaug Zoo officials to fast-track the procedure and find solutions to the hurdles, if any.

Byculla Zoo has been without a lion since the death of its last resident, a 16-year-old African-Asiatic hybrid named Jimmy, in 2014. The zoo approved an animal exchange programme under Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms in May this year, following in-principle approval from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat.

As part of the exchange, Byculla Zoo will transfer three male and three female tufted Capuchin monkeys to Sakkarbaug Zoo. The monkeys may be sent directly to Sakkarbaug Zoo after arriving in India.

The arrival of Asiatic lions at Byculla Zoo is expected to be a major attraction for Mumbaikars. The zoo has been working to revamp its facilities and bring in new animals to attract more visitors.

The exchange programme is a significant step towards conserving and promoting the welfare of animals. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has laid down guidelines for animal exchange programmes between zoos, and the Byculla Zoo is following these norms to bring the Asiatic lions to Mumbai.

The wait for the Asiatic lions may be longer, but the BMC is hopeful that the procedure will be completed soon. With the Mayor's personal intervention and the zoo's efforts, Mumbaikars can look forward to seeing the majestic Asiatic lions at Byculla Zoo soon.

The arrival of Asiatic lions at Byculla Zoo will not only be a major attraction but also an important step towards promoting conservation and education about wildlife. The zoo's efforts to bring in new animals and revamp its facilities are a positive step towards making it a world-class zoo.

In the end, the wait for the Asiatic lions will be worth it, as Mumbaikars will get to see these majestic animals up close and learn about their importance in the ecosystem. The Byculla Zoo's efforts to bring the Asiatic lions to Mumbai are a significant step towards promoting wildlife conservation and education in the city.