Surprised to learn that an Indian rhino whose bloodline is not represented in captivity cannot be loaned out to another facility for conservation breeding purposes by the very fact that a Masterplan is not fully approved? The first and foremost issue in Indian zoos remains the mind boggling bureacracy.
First: Another example of how Indian bureaucracy is preventing zoos from modernising their facilities. Experts visit Byculla Zoo to take stock of makeover plan Issues preventing zoos from doing the right thing in India: First, ever present bureaucracy. See above and beyond. Second, decision making process. There is also too much quango-like intervention in zoo management at various levels, from Council up to State and Federal. Third: Conservation breeding programmes will never work if and when the State or Federal need to decide every bloody move or proposal by a Species Coordinator. Fourth: For as long as the serving in the Forestry Service is deemed sufficient to be responsible for zoo management, wild animal veterinary services or animal care staff ..., that is another no-no.
Illegal animal trading ? : Mumbai: Animal trust alleges Byculla zoo involved in illegal animal trading - News
The Humboldt's penguins are due to be on site in around 2 weeks time!! Mumbai gets ready to host penguins | The Indian Express
The zoo's new aquarium has been approved, with a planned completion date of December. "World-class" seems a bit of a stretch, but hopefully this marks a much-needed turnaround. BMC to break new ground with Byculla zoo’s world-class aquarium - Mumbai Mirror Anyone know what they mean by "We are also in talks with Washington's woodland zoo for sea cow"? Woodland Park don't have sirenians...
Food-shortage for the Penguins : Religious month affecting fish diet for penguins in Mumbai zoo reveals poor planning - Firstpost
The zoo plans to expand its collection: Byculla zoo to get 10 new species in February | mumbai news | Hindustan Times
Byculla wants replacement for dead penguin : After death of penguin at its zoo, BMC wants contractor to replace dead bird
Looking after the penguins ( LITERALLY ! ) : Four vets to monitor Humboldt penguins 24x7 in Byculla zoo
Two new aviaries will reportedly be constructed for the zoo's 250 birds, at a cost of $3.7 million. New enclosures are also planned for the big cats, with otters and wolves joining the collection. Byculla zoo plans modern aviary for bird lovers to walk through - Mumbai Mirror -
whenever I read these press releases about the Byculla Zoo, as in this case talking about their great numbers of birds, I think back to my visit and go "hmmm, that doesn't sound right...". My review here: Mumbai Zoo visit, January 2017
Mr Molt, who lost chick, is back on his feet and molting - Times of India Context: Mumbai Zoo has been trying to get going with an ambitious renovation plan that includes bringing in a ton of African, South American and Australasian species. It was always going to be an uphill task since we could barely maintain our existing, mostly Indian stock. The zoo's generally in shambles. Most of us who want to see it become a functional, successful facility didn't welcome the decision to start with Humboldt penguins... but here we are. So, the penguins bred in August. Chick was born on Indian independence day. Died a couple days later. This article is about the father. Personally, I'd rather see the zoo focus on improving its existing facilities, and then bringing in more Indian species to replace those that have been lost due to mismanagement and horrible exhibits in the past. Then, maybe we can consider some African species to boost attendance. Not sure what the best course of action is on the penguins. Has anyone here followed this at all?
