Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo closer to getting four Asiatic lions from Gujarat

Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo closer to getting four Asiatic lions from Gujarat The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) announced on Thursday that a proposed animal exchange between Byculla Zoo and Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoological Park is nearing completion. Under the deal, Byculla Zoo will receive four Asiatic lions, a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance genetic diversity among captive lion populations in India and to bolster the conservation profile of the capital’s historic zoo, which has been seeking to modernise its facilities for more than a decade..

The arrangement, first mooted in early 2023, involves the transfer of three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys from Byculla to Sakkarbaug. Both institutions have already signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines the logistics, veterinary protocols and post‑transfer monitoring procedures. Officials say the monkeys, native to Central and South America, are thriving in Byculla’s climate‑controlled enclosures and will benefit from the more expansive naturalistic habitats that Sakkarbaug is developing as part of its recent expansion programme..

The lions slated for relocation are currently part of Sakkarbaug’s breeding herd, which has been instrumental in stabilising the wild Asiatic lion population in Gujarat’s Gir Forest. Prasad Venkatesh, explained that moving a small number of healthy, genetically valuable individuals to Byculla will help mitigate the risks associated with inbreeding and disease outbreaks within a single geographic cluster. “We are looking at a long‑term vision where captive populations act as a genetic reservoir for the species, complementing in‑situ conservation efforts,” he said at a press briefing..

Byculla Zoo, formally known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, has been under pressure to upgrade its aging infrastructure. A 2019 audit by the National Board of Wildlife identified gaps in enclosure sizes, visitor safety measures and veterinary capacity. In response, the BMC allocated a fresh tranche of funding in the 2024‑25 budget, earmarking ₹150 crore for enclosure redesign, water recycling systems and a new veterinary wing..

The arrival of the lions is expected to trigger the final phase of these renovations, ensuring the big cats are housed in enclosures that meet international standards for space, enrichment and climate control. Conservationists have welcomed the exchange, noting that it aligns with the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), which encourages inter‑zoo collaborations to enhance breeding success. Nandini Rao, a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Trust of India, highlighted that captive breeding programmes for Asiatic lions have shown promising results, with the global captive population now exceeding 150 individuals..

“Strategic transfers like this one are essential to maintain a healthy gene pool, especially as the wild population faces habitat fragmentation,” she explained. However, the plan has also attracted scrutiny from animal rights groups who argue that moving apex predators across states can cause stress and disrupt established social structures. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) released a statement urging the BMC and Gujarat authorities to conduct thorough behavioral assessments before the transfer..

In response, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, assured that a comprehensive health and temperament evaluation will be performed on each lion for a period of 30 days prior to relocation, with sedation only if absolutely necessary. Logistics for the transport are being coordinated by a specialised wildlife transport firm that has previously handled the relocation of elephants and rhinoceroses across India..

The journey will involve a climate‑controlled vehicle equipped with veterinary monitoring equipment, and the lions will travel along a pre‑planned route that minimizes exposure to traffic and extreme weather. The transfer is scheduled for late February 2025, pending final clearance from the CZA’s Animal Transfer Committee, which meets quarterly to assess compliance with welfare standards. The exchange is expected to have a ripple effect on Byculla Zoo’s visitor numbers, which have plateaued at around 1.2 million annually in recent years..

Tourism officials anticipate that the presence of the iconic Asiatic lion will boost attendance, particularly among school groups and wildlife enthusiasts. “The lion is not just a crowd‑puller; it’s a flagship species that can educate the public about broader conservation challenges,” said Mumbai’s tourism commissioner, Rajesh Mehta. Local businesses are also preparing for the anticipated surge..

Hotels in the Byculla and nearby South Mumbai districts have reported a 12 percent increase in room bookings for the upcoming quarter, attributing the rise to promotional packages that feature zoo visits. Restaurants near the zoo’s main entrance are planning menu specials themed around wildlife, while transport operators are adding extra shuttle services to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Despite the optimism, some experts caution that the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured by the lions’ adaptation to their new environment..

Past relocations of large carnivores in India have shown mixed outcomes, with some individuals adjusting well while others exhibit chronic stress behaviours. To mitigate these risks, Byculla Zoo will implement a phased acclimatisation program that includes visual barriers, enrichment toys and a diet formulated by nutritionists to mirror the lions’ natural prey composition. The BMC has pledged ongoing financial support for the lions’ care, allocating an additional ₹20 crore over the next five years for nutrition, veterinary services and staff training..

Moreover, the zoo will partner with the National Institute of Wildlife Health in Hyderabad to conduct periodic health screenings, ensuring that any disease emergence is detected early. This collaborative approach reflects.