Mumbai: Byculla Zoo Moves Closer To Getting 4 Asiatic Lions From Gujarat After 12-Year Gap; CM Bhupendra Patel Directs Officials To Expedite Transfer

Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo is poised to receive four Asiatic lions from Gujarat after a 12-year hiatus, following a directive from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde met Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday to secure final approval for the long-awaited transfer. The proposal, which includes two male and two female Asiatic lions from Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, has been welcomed by both zoos, subject to administrative clearances.

In return, the Mumbai zoo will offer three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys. Both institutions have already endorsed the exchange, as outlined in the master plan approved by the Central Zoo Authority. A state-of-the-art lion enclosure has been constructed at Byculla Zoo, and the zoo anticipates receiving the lions shortly after obtaining the formal approvals.