Mumbai Zoo Approves Lion Exchange with Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Park
The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo (VJBB Udyan and Zoo) in Mumbai has given its consent for an animal exchange programme with the Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat. This programme involves the transfer of four Asiatic lions and other species, subject to statutory approvals and guidelines from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
In a formal communication dated May 15 addressed to the Director of Sakkarbaug Zoo, the Mumbai zoo authorities confirmed their approval for the proposed exchange. Under this plan, two male and two female Asiatic lions would be moved from Sakkarbaug Zoo to Mumbai.
In exchange, the Mumbai zoo has stated that it will facilitate the procurement of capuchin monkeys through an agency, while ensuring compliance with all statutory permissions, quarantine protocols, transportation norms, and CZA regulations.
However, the communication also proposes a change in the logistics of animal handling. It suggests that once the capuchin monkeys arrive in India, they be transported directly to Sakkarbaug Zoo for quarantine and acclimatisation. The Mumbai zoo has stated that this approach could reduce repeated transportation stress and handling of the animals, allowing them to adapt better to enclosure conditions. The final quarantine and acclimatisation process, the letter stated, would be conducted at Sakkarbaug Zoo itself, with assistance from the concerned agency.
This development comes after Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde recently revived efforts to bring lions to the zoo. Tawde had told TOI that she decided to pursue the matter with Gujarat authorities after learning that repeated attempts by the zoo administration over the years had failed to secure approval.
During a recent visit to the zoo, Tawde said she noticed a banner stating that lions were 'awaited'. On enquiring with officials, she learnt that several earlier communications had not materialised into approvals.
'As mayor, I have written to the zoo in Gujarat and the letter will be sent shortly,' Tawde had said, adding that she was keen on introducing a new attraction at the zoo, which sees large footfalls from Mumbaikars.
In January 2025, the Byculla zoo had formally written to Gujarat's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests seeking a pair of Asiatic lions as a donation. Earlier proposals had also run into hurdles. On one occasion, Sakkarbaug had sought zebras in exchange, but the proposal could not proceed as the Mumbai zoo does not house zebras. In 2019, then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had also written to the Gujarat chief minister's office requesting lions for Mumbai, but the move did not fructify.
