Mumbai: Three new penguins born at Byculla zoo
The eldest of the penguin chicks, Noddy, was born on March 4 to Olive and Poppy while Daisy and Donald gave birth to Tom and Pingu. Tom was born on March 7 while the youngest of the lot was born on March 11. The announcement of their birth, which has sparked immense joy among the authorities, came on April 25 — which is celebrated as World Penguin Day.
While the three new additions have been opened for public viewing, officials said that the baby penguins spend most of their time within the nest inside the facility — leaving them inaccessible for visitors' viewing.
Biologists at the zoo said that the 'tiniest waddlers' of the zoo are healthy and sound. 'These days, we provide the food to the parents who chew the food, make a flurry and then feed their chicks themselves,' added an official.
Prior to this, the Byculla zoo had welcomed three penguins in 2023 when three different pairs of parents gave birth to Coco (female), Stella (female) and Jerry (male). The arrival of the new baby penguins has taken the total tally of Humboldt penguins to 21.
Amid the burgeoning population of the species at the zoo, the Byculla authorities have offered penguins for exchange programmes across the zoo in a bid to procure other animals. However, the penguins have found no takers thus — owing to their high costs of maintenance and care — sparking concerns of dwindling space for the penguins at the existing facility.
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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai Byculla Zoo plans expansion to house 40 penguins, prevent territorial fights
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Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Byculla zoo sees sharp drop in animal deaths, but concerns remain over missing species
MUMBAI: The city's iconic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo — better known as the Byculla Zoo or Victoria Gardens — has long drawn criticism over its ageing infrastructure and questionable animal welfare practices. But new data reveals a notable shift: animal deaths at India's oldest zoo have significantly declined over the past five years, suggesting that ongoing upgrades and reforms may finally be paying off. Byculla zoo sees sharp drop in animal deaths, but concerns remain over missing species Figures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by activist Godfrey Pimenta show that annual animal deaths at the 162-year-old zoo dropped from 70 in 2019-20 to just 25 in 2024-25 — a 64% decrease over five years. (SEE BOX) Spread across 22 hectares, the zoo currently houses 390 animals spanning 31 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. A senior civic official attributed the falling mortality rates to a more 'stable population' following the introduction of younger animals and gradual phasing out of geriatric residents. 'For decades, we weren't getting new animals. Most of the earlier deaths were due to old age. Now, with new species arriving and breeding improving, we're seeing a stabilised age profile,' the official said. A costly turnaround The transformation didn't come cheap. Since 2018, the BMC has spent close to ₹200 crore on a phased revamp of the zoo, including state-of-the-art enclosures and improved living conditions. The lion enclosure alone cost ₹8.25 crore, while ₹7.15 crore went into a wolf enclosure and ₹3.82 crore into an otter habitat. Spaces for reptiles, birds and crocodilians were also upgraded. However, the zoo has continued to draw flak for its high maintenance costs, particularly the ongoing expense of housing its Humboldt penguins — a flagship species whose upkeep has long raised questions over cost-efficiency and suitability to Mumbai's tropical climate. Animal welfare activists like Nilesh Bhanage, founder of the Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), recall the dismal state of affairs from a decade ago. 'Earlier, animals were kept in 10x10 metal cages. Elephants were kept in solitary enclosures, with mirrors placed inside to create the illusion of companionship,' he said. The last elephant at the zoo, Anarkali, died of old age earlier this year. Since then, Bhanage admits, some improvements are visible. 'Today, animals live in enclosures that replicate their natural habitats. Penguins live in controlled environments, primates have trees to climb, and carnivores have space to move.' He also pointed out enrichment practices being adopted — like hanging meat on trees for lions to simulate a hunt or providing swimming pools for otters. The zoo has also diversified its feeding routines. 'We introduced seasonal and varied diets to improve nutrition,' said an official. Such enrichment — now a global standard in zoos — aims to keep captive animals mentally and physically stimulated. Species missing, some numbers dwindling Yet not all signs are positive. The RTI data also flags worrying declines in some species populations. The number of Night Herons fell from 96 to 42, barking deer from 19 to 10, and all 35 Budgerigars have vanished from the records. 'These variations can happen with flock species or due to natural attrition. It's not always easy to determine exact causes,' the official said, though no clear reasons were offered for the disappearance of the birds. Bhanage cautioned that while the infrastructure has improved, overall care standards and transparency still need scrutiny. 'What's missing is an independent mechanism to monitor animal health and welfare — beyond municipal oversight.'
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
50 animal births & 25 deaths at Byculla zoo between Apr '24 and Mar '25: RTI
Mumbai: Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Gardens and Zoo in Byculla recorded 50 animal births and 25 deaths, according to information received through a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Godfrey Pimenta of Watchdog Foundation. Among the 50 births, additions included three Humboldt penguin chicks (two males and a female), 12 cockatiels, and several spotted and barking deer. The zoo also reported births of Rhesus macaques, Indian flapshell turtles, and a painted stork chick during the year. On the other hand, the 25 recorded deaths include six spotted deer, three Indian flapshell turtles, two budgerigars, and individual losses of larger species — sambar deer, an elephant, and a striped hyena. The zoo also lost a newborn painted stork chick in the same period. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The data is part of a larger six-year report of animal births and deaths at the zoo sought by Pimenta under RTI, showing long-term trends in zoo animal health and breeding success. Between 2019 and 2025, Byculla zoo recorded 286 animal births and 275 deaths. The worst period was year 2020–21, when the zoo recorded 14 births against 59 deaths, which could be due to pandemic-related challenges. A senior BMC official said works are ongoing to ensure improved animal welfare at all levels, which can be seen in the number of visitors. In the past five years, over 1 crore have visited the facility, shows civic data.
