Finally, Byculla zoo is recognised

The Jijabai Bhosle Udyan at Byculla has finally received conditional recognition from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) as a “medium category” zoo until December 31, 2007.

Giving strict guidelines for animal enclosures, veterinary facilities and staff patterns, the CZA has directed the zoo to immediately transport a male rhino from the zoo to the Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi and move a male elephant to another zoo at the earliest.

The Central Zoo Authority has also asked civic officials to prepare and submit the master plan, including a layout plan for developing the whole zoo.

The central authorities have also asked for a management plan, giving detailed proposals of the types of activities to be undertaken in the next five years.

The Byculla zoo will have to appoint a full-time in-charge officer with administrative and financial powers, and carry out emergency repairs of the animal enclosures. The zoo must also appoint a full-time curator with a master’s degree in wildlife sciences/zoology.

Credited for getting the CZA recognition, RA Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner (city) told DNA that the zoo will immediately comply with the conditions. “All appointments would be made after we finalise the consultant for the master plan.” he said. “The design would be ready in four months. We want a competent authority like an empowered trust made up of wildlife experts and civic officials to look after the day-to-day running of the zoo.”

But there will be some hiccups. The Ranchi zoo has refused to accept the rhino, while no zoo is willing to care for the elephant. Added to this, some senior civic officials want to follow the joint venture route to upgrade the zoo.

“The zoo needs to be run professionally,” said Rajeev. “The trust would allow the BMC to play a key role and ensure that the zoo land remains with us.”