Zoos were the quintessential spot for school picnics. And for Mumbai kids, there is no other place than the Byculla Zoo, AKA Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan. The place is not only an iconic landmark of Mumbai but also houses some wild animals and rare plants of different species. The zoo authorities have added a new croc trail — the new crocodile exhibit.
Byculla Zoo’s New Crocodile Exhibit
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On Monday, the Byculla Zoo posted on Instagram the news of adding a new crocodile exhibit to the list of animals. According to it, you will be able to experience and witness the underwater movements of crocodiles and gharials. And people are excited to visit the zoo and witness this new addition.
For those who aren’t aware, crocodiles and gharials are different from each other and have different physical characteristics. They both belong to different families. Gharials can be recognised by their distinctly thin and lengthy jaws. The principal component of the gharial’s food is fish, hence the jaw has evolved to move swiftly when catching it. Alligators have rounded, U-shaped snouts, whereas crocodiles have long, pointed V-shaped noses.
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Gharials and crocodiles, however, have salt glands in the form of altered salivary glands on their tongues.
Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan
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The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan was formerly known as Victoria Gardens. Located in Mumbai’s Byculla area, this zoo is spread across 50 acres of land. It is one of the oldest public gardens in India and was named after Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, Jijabai Bhonsale. During British rule, this place was acquired for building a botanical garden. In 1890, the garden was extended by 15 acres and turned into a zoo. It houses the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, too.
Besides the new crocodile exhibit, the zoo houses animals like striped hyena, swamp deer, jackal, Indian leopard, tiger, hippopotamus, monkey, sloth bear and more.
You will witness varieties of birds like peahen, cranes, etc. Also, they have a section that displays different types of snakes and provides information about them!
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Every Mumbai kid has innumerable memories attached to this place. And with the new addition, you can create more memories!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva