On Sunday, November 28, a record of 16,503 people visited the Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan And Zoo, also known as the Byculla zoo, highlighted reports. This propelled the management to shut the entry gates at 4 pm, considering the coronavirus restrictions. Usually, the gates are open till 6 pm.
On November 1, the zoo reopened to the public after being shut for eight months, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been reported that the number of visitors on Sunday was greater than that of the pre-pandemic weekend of almost 15,000.
The prominent attractions of the zoo, are the Humboldt penguins as well as tigers and hyenas. Through the weekend, a footfall of 26,297 was recorded. Additionally, in two days the aggregate revenue collected stands at more than INR 10 lakh.
On weekdays nearly 5,000-6,000 visit the zoo with tickets for adults costing INR 50 and those for children costing INR 25. There have been over two months of discussion about the maintenance cost of the Humboldt penguin’s enclosure at the zoo.
On Monday, November 29, the standing committee approved the INR 15 crore maintenance proposal of the enclosure. This three-year contract has been accorded to M/s Highway Constructions, the current contractor and only bidder.
The opposition, however, has been slamming the authorities for this massive cost. The enclosure facility of the penguins comes with chillers, CCTV cameras, veterinarians, animal keepers and engineers.
Also Read: MSRTC Strike: Over 1,000 Employees Suspended As Agitation Continues
Share
Tweet
