Mumbai mayor revives push for Asiatic lions at Byculla zoo after a four-year gap

The renewed push coincides with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s ₹136 crore allocation in its 2026–27 budget to expand and upgrade zoo infrastructure. Currently, the zoo houses 15 penguins, 84 species of mammals including two tigers, and over 157 species of birds.

Earlier, the BMC had proposed acquiring two pairs of lions from Junagadh and Indore zoos under an exchange programme, offering zebras in return. However, the plan stalled after a ₹80 lakh tender floated to procure zebras from Tel Aviv did not conclude.

Civic officials said international animal exchanges require multiple clearances, and within India, animals can only be exchanged between zoos rather than bought or sold outright. “Unless both zoos have species that the other wants, the exchange cannot proceed,” an official said.

As part of its expansion plans, the zoo administration is also exploring the acquisition of exotic species from Australia, America and Africa, with dedicated enclosures currently under construction.

Ranibaug records an annual footfall of 31–35 lakh visitors, with peak numbers during weekends. Officials attribute much of the crowd to popular attractions such as penguins and tigers. The addition of Asiatic lions, civic officials believe, could further boost visitor numbers.