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

Under the proposed exchange, Sakkarbaug Zoological Park will provide two pairs of Asiatic lions, comprising two males and two females, to the Byculla zoo. File photo for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji

Mumbai’s Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla, popularly known as Rani Baug, is set to receive four Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) directing officials to expedite the administrative process for the animal exchange.

The development followed a meeting between Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Patel at the latter’s residence in Gandhinagar on Wednesday evening (November 4, 2026). According to a statement issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mr. Patel directed the Gujarat administration to complete the necessary formalities and initiate the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two zoos.

The BMC is expected to receive a formal approval letter and a draft MoU from the Gujarat government shortly.

Under the proposed exchange, Sakkarbaug Zoological Park will provide two pairs of Asiatic lions, comprising two males and two females, to the Byculla zoo. In return, the Mumbai zoo will transfer three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys to Sakkarbaug. Both zoos have already agreed to the exchange, the BMC said.

The civic body also stated that a modern enclosure for the Asiatic lions has been completed at the Byculla zoo in accordance with the master layout plan approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Earlier in the day, Ms. Tawde met Gujarat Minister of State for Forests Pravinkumar Mali and requested him to expedite the transfer of the lions. Mali accepted her representation and directed the principal secretary of the forest department to initiate the necessary action.

The meeting with Mr. Patel was also attended by Dhrangadhra MLA Prakashbhai Varmora, senior Gujarat government officials and BMC Zoo Director Dr Sanjay Tripathi.

While the Gujarat government has directed officials to proceed with the agreement, the formalities are yet to be completed, and no date has been announced for the lions’ arrival in Mumbai.

Published - November 05, 2026 08:02 am IST