Besides two aging elephants, a hippopotamus and a few deer, there are no major attractions at the zoo, leaving visitors asking for more
While the civic body plans to hike entry fees for the Byculla Zoo from Rs 5 to Rs 100, the 20-fold entry fee hike at one go, which will make it tougher for economically weaker sections to visit the zoo, is hard to justify. An enclosure for Humboldt penguins is currently the only attraction at the zoo. While a certain hike in entry fee is necessary for capacity upgrade and maintenance, visitors need to be given value for their money. Besides two aging elephants, a hippopotamus and a few deer, there are no major attractions at the zoo, leaving visitors asking for more. There are no big cats, a usual attraction at most zoos. World over, zoos are also sources of education, but this aspect too is completely lacking at the Byculla Zoo where there are no educational signs, slide shows or guided tours.
Activists claim the BMC is "charging for fresh air" since animal enclosures cover only 18 per cent of the land area, and gardens constitute at least 63 per cent of the area.
The zoo is the island city's largest green public open space, with 3,213 trees of nearly 850 different varieties in a 60 acre space. Mumbai is already deprived of open spaces. While most open plots in prime areas have been taken over by private parties in the name of developing recreational facilities, common citizens have limited options for family outings. An increasing number of families now turn to air-conditioned malls for entertainment purposes. The Byculla Zoo should remain affordable to citizens from all walks of life, and any hike in ticket prices should be matched by an adequate upgrade in services and attractions.
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