Meet Coco, Stella and Jerry, the newest penguins at Mumbai’s Byculla zoo

Earlier this year, the Byculla zoo had welcomed another baby penguin, named Dora, on February 21.

Speaking to The Indian Express, zoo director Sanjay Tripathi said that following their birth, the penguin chicks usually spend over a couple of months in the nesting area. “After a few months, their parents allow them to leave the nesting area. In the meantime, the doctors also determine their gender and administer their well-being,” Tripathi said.

“Penguins are social animals and now, they are enjoying their time mingling with their fellow penguins. They are healthy and spend their time playing in the water and running around,” added Dr Abhishek Satam, a biologist at the zoo.

The announcement of the newest zoo members came during the 161st anniversary celebrations on Friday. The botanical garden was inaugurated by Lady Frere, wife of Governor Henry Bartle Frere, on November 19, 1862. Zoo authorities told Express that the anniversary ceremony was postponed owing to the festive rush.

Seeking to aid visitors’ experience, the zoo also announced that five new wheelchairs had been procured through the Manrao Charitable Trust. Amidst the anniversary celebration, NGO Project Mumbai also provided 15 benches built from recycled plastic, donated by Mumbai residents.