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Mumbai Mayor Seeks Lions from Gujarat for Ranibaug Zoo
3 Mar
Summary
- Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has requested lions from Gujarat's administration.
- The proposal to acquire lions was first mooted four years ago.
- The zoo has a Rs 136 crore budget allocation for infrastructure expansion.
Mumbai's Mayor, Ritu Tawde, has officially written to the Gujarat administration to request a pair of Asiatic lions for the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan Zoo, commonly referred to as Ranibaug. This initiative marks a significant step after a four-year period of inactivity on the proposal, which was initially considered by zoo authorities. The mayor's request coincides with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) allocation of Rs 136 crore in its 2026-27 budget for substantial infrastructure expansion at the zoo.
The Byculla Zoo, or Ranibaug, currently boasts a diverse collection of 15 penguins, 84 mammal species including two tigers, and over 157 bird species. The zoo has been without a lion since 2014, following the demise of its last lioness. A previous attempt in 2022 to acquire two pairs of lions from Junagadh and Indore zoos through an exchange program, offering zebras in return, did not materialize due to logistical and permission issues concerning international animal exchange.
As part of its ambitious expansion plans, the Mumbai Zoo administration intends to introduce exotic animals from continents like Australia, America, and Africa, with dedicated enclosures being developed. Ranibaug attracts an annual footfall of 31 to 35 lakh visitors, with penguins and tigers being major attractions, particularly on weekends. The zoo's expansion aims to further enhance its appeal and animal diversity.
