Twitter
Advertisement

Humboldt issue: Activists challenge Aaditya Thackeray for debate

Yuva Sena chief in his post without mincing words stated: "No one is obviously bringing penguins and allowing them to languish here. Obviously there is much more passion, knowledge and selfless interests than some silly spins."

Latest News
article-main
Humboldt penguins at the Byculla zoo; (inset) Aaditya Thackeray
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

After having enough of the controversy being raked up on the procurement of eight Humboldt Penguins, Shiv Sena's cub Aaditya Thackeray, took to social media, not only defending BMC's move but also making it clear that the present and planned facilities at the VJB Zoo were among the best in the World.

Yuva Sena chief in his post without mincing words stated: "No one is obviously bringing penguins and allowing them to languish here. Obviously there is much more passion, knowledge and selfless interests than some silly spins."

Defending the zoo and the much talked about lack of facilities for the Humboldts, he said that the facilities is probably among the best in the world, right from the quarantine where the penguins were kept at the moment to what shall come up as display.

"No zoo in the world would exchange or lend its animals to a zoo that doesn't take care of the animals with the best of facilities. The whole zoo is undergoing renovation and will include conservation efforts," he posted, adding that as per international protocol and conventions, and common sense the Penguins are kept in quarantine for three months and absolute least human interaction will be allowed as the hygiene, safety parameters have to be observed and maintained by the experts.

He also categorically mentioned: "We cannot afford to stifle this new attraction and opportunity for millions of people to come so close to the Humboldt Penguins. The facility is surely one that is the best, which we should be extremely proud of and visit when it opens."

He ended his post by not only thanking BMC officials but also stating, "The dream started off almost 5 years ago by Uddhavji, why can't our zoo be amongst the best in the world, and contribute to conservation efforts like other cities. Lets spread this lovely news of attraction and the truth behind it. Lets not spread rumours, let's spread the joy,"

Meanwhile, the protesting activists reacting to this post on social media, urged Aaditya to have a public debate over this issue.

"I have gone through his entire post point wise and have replied to each point in detail and will be sending it to his office. We are also offering to come and have a public debate on the issue of not only procurement of these penguins but also the condition of the Byculla Zoo," said Anand Siva, an activist who said that they were also exploring all the options including knocking the doors of judiciary over the various irregularities going on at the zoo.

A senior BMC official said that the protests were damaging the reputation of the BMC and the initiative to create a world class zoo in Mumbai. "I am surprised why the BMC top officials are not meeting the protesting activists and clearing all the misconceptions or worries they have pertaining to upkeep of animals in the zoo."

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement