The mix of flora and fauna in Mumbai zoo

The zoo situated in Mumbai is known as the Jijamata Udayan and locally this place is also known as the Byculla Zoo. This is a place which covers an area of 52 acres and this place is definitely one of the heritage visits in the city. Formerly this place was known as the Victoria Garden and much later it was renamed as Veermata Jijabai Bhoshale Udyan which is still present the official name of the Mumbai zoo. It is definitely the only abode of wild animals in this city and at present apart from the zoo, it also has a closed theatre auditorium.

 The year in which the zoo in Mumbai was established was 1861 and this place is surrounded by lush greeneries. One can get to see a variety of wild animals and a large species of birds in this place. The location of this zoo is Byculla which once belonged to David Sasson who was a famous Jewish businessman. He made a beautiful Victoria tower clock which is still present inside the zoo and that is why; earlier this place was named as Victoria Gardens. Apart from animals and birds, one can also get to see a large variety of herbs and flower plants here. This place is very well maintained and there are monitors to look after the ambience of the zoo. They keep a sharp eye on visitors so that they cannot throw litters on the ground and water and turn the place into a filthy one. They stop people from making this place unhealthy for other visitors.

• At present, Mumbai zoo has 57 different varieties and families of plants and trees inside the Jijamata garden. Among these species there are at least 25 species which has become endangered and one can rarely find these trees outside at present. That is why; the botanical part of this zoological garden is definitely a unique one.

• There are more than 38 different species of birds present in the zoo and this number increases in winter as more species join in as migratory birds. They fly down from Siberia to different parts of this country and Mumbai is also a part of them. This place has 20 different species of mammals as well. One can get to see here Lions, spotted deer, hyenas, Himalayan black bear, elephants, and hippopotamus. The bird varieties in this zoo contain species like peacocks, flamingos, vampire bats and many more.

Post 2009, the Mumbai Corporation decided on a revamp of this zoo and it is still in progress. Here one will get to see many more species like Madras turtles, Jackals, Wolves and Leopards. There is a theme park and car parking options have also become a large and spacious one. The species of wild animals has been increased and there are more fun options for the children as well. The safety measures in the zoo has become more compact and in the coming days one is trying to make this place more secured for both the animals and the visitors.

One can reach this zoo by local train as it is located exactly opposite the Byculla station. It opens at 10.30 in the morning and closes at 5.30 in the evening. So, when you are in Mumbai, you should not miss to visit this place.