A happy feat?

The BMC's announcement to bring six Humboldt penguins to the Byculla Zoo has been met with aggrieved criticism from several people. We speak to environmentalist D. Stalin about his views on the subject.

Do you think that the civic body's decision to bring Humboldt penguins into Byculla Zoo is a wise one?
No, the existing zoo is a nightmare for the unfortunate animals trapped there. With Byculla Zoo's bad track record, it is disturbing to see that these magnificent creatures are being brought in for a similar experience. These are social birds who live in big colonies. To isolate and put them up for display and torture by some of the zoo visitors is most uncalled for. Moreover, these birds are used to living on the Pacific shores in waters that are the least polluted. The air and water pollution as well as the humidity in Mumbai will not suit them. The young ones are especially more vulnerable if the humidity level goes up.

Do you think that the BMC should have considered opinions of wildlife experts before approving this plan?
The only experts that the BMC ever talks to are consultants who draw up fancy projects with astronomical budgets.

Do you think that the city zoo and its staff are well equipped to maintain the newcomers?
The BMC track record is dismal, to say the least. For more than 20 years, they tortured Shiva, the rhino, by keeping him alone and not improving his condition. Dogs have entered the deer enclosures and have killed and eaten them. The water in the pelican and other big birds' section is beyond filthy. Given the situation, it is surprising that they even thought of bringing birds from pristine, high-nutrient habitats to suffer here. A visit to the BMC zoo in Mumbai is a traumatic experience for any wildlife lover.

20 years ago, kangaroos which were brought to the zoo died because of a viral infection. Do you think that the civic body has still not learned from the lessons of the past?
The BMC never learns from any of its mistakes. It has neither tried to educate the public on the importance of zoo etiquette nor has it cared enough for the animals that are in its custody. It is infuriating to see people tease, poke at and throw stones at the animals. Ask the BMC how many people have they penalised till date for teasing the animals; they themselves are insensitive to the needs of the animals. The staff has near zero understanding or even the passion that zoo keepers in the West or South Africa possess. When the BMC cannot care for animals of India, how will they will cope with these foreign species?