Penguins, jaguar for Mumbai zoo

Mumbai, Jan 9 (IANS) Visitors will now be able to see the Humboldt penguin, jaguar and zebra right in the Mumbai zoo.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to revamp the Jijamata Udyan at Byculla in south Mumbai has received a nod from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA).

“After the revamp, the zoo will exhibit 18 Indian animals like hyena, jackal, wolf, sloth bear, wild dog, porcupine, mouse deer, common otter, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, leopard cat, jungle cat and five exotic species like emu, hippopotamus, jaguar, zebra and Humboldt penguin,” a BMC official said.

Work on the revamp will start in September and is likely to finish by March 2015.

The theme of the zoo will be “Living Together”.

“As the animals co-exist in their natural habitat, they will do so here. Interdependence among different species of the mammals, birds and reptiles will be highlighted,” the official said.

The zoo authorities will also work on the suggestions of the Mumbai Heritage Committee and shall preserve and restore the existing heritage structures within the zoo premises.

According to the new plan, 24 new enclosures for animals and birds will be constructed.

The cost of the revamp project is estimated at Rs.150 crore.

This includes the cost of ongoing projects like building an interpretation centre, zoo hospital, entrance plaza, heritage restoration and boundary wall.

IANS 2013-01-09 13:32:02