Seven years ago in 2016, Byculla Zoo got a total of eight penguins from the Coex Aquarium in South Korea. At the time, the move was harshly criticised by the public because the penguins would not be in their natural habitat. This criticism was further boosted when one of the penguins died. However, today the penguin population has more than doubled in the zoo and they are now looking to rehome some of them.
Byculla Zoo To Exchange Its Penguins
The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan which is popularly known as the Byculla Zoo is looking to exchange some of its penguins. The zoo brought eight penguins in 2016 five of which were females and three were males.
One of them died soon after and now, the seven penguins have more than doubled. The zoo now has a total of 15 penguins. According to an article recently published in the Mid-Day, there are three families in this little penguin community.
On the 2nd of October 2022, Molt and Flipper had baby Siri who is a female baby penguin. Then, on the 13th of December 2022, Papaya and Olive became parents of Nemo who is a male baby penguin. Finally, on the 21st of February this year, Donald and Daisy gave birth to Dora who is also a female baby penguin.
Also Read: Good News! Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo Welcomes Tiger Cubs & Newborn Penguins & They’re So Cute!
Might Exchange A Few Penguins For Hyderabad’s Crocodile
There is a fourth pair named Oreo and Bubble. According to the Director of the Byculla Zoo, Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, the zoo currently has a capacity of 25 penguins. However, since the zoo needs a few other animals like crocodiles, turtles, etc., it is willing to exchange its penguins.
Tripathi said that they had written to the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad as they house Gharials. Although there has been no response from the Nehru Zoo in Hyderabad, it is hoped that the Byculla Zoo could acquire a few gharials in exchange for the Penguins.
Also Read: Mumbaikars, Witness Crocodiles & Gharials At The New Croc Trails At Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo!
Have you visited the zoo and seen the penguins? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images (Representational)