Mumbai Mayor writes to Gujarat CM for two pairs of lion

Mumbai Mayor requests Gujarat CM for two pairs of Asiatic lions to enhance the city's zoo experience.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has formally requested to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to provide two pairs of Asiatic lions for the city zoo. 

Mr. Tawade has written a letter on February 25, urging the Gujarat government to facilitate the transfer of two male and two female lions to the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo also known as Ranibaug located in Mumbai’s Byculla area.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed Phase I of the zoo’s modernisation project, which includes facilities such as the Humboldt penguin exhibit, internal gardens, ticketing office, animal hospital, quarantine area and other civic amenities, as per the letter. 

Under Phase II of the project, new enclosures and habitats have been created for several animals, including Asiatic lions, tigers, sloth bears, hyenas, leopards, spotted deer, and birds. A proposal approved in March 2019 envisaged the exchange of two pairs of lions in return for animals and birds, including zebra, cockatiels, night herons, and a hornbill, the letter said.

“The lion enclosure has been specially designed on the theme of Maldhari settlements near the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat and includes caves, water facilities, resting shelters, machans and dense plantation, along with an acrylic viewing gallery for visitors,” said Ms. Tawade, adding the matter has been pending for the past four to five years. 

(With inputs from PTI)