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Mumbai Zoo

Laid out in 1861, on an area of 48 acres, is the present Jijamata Udyan or the "Mumbai Zoo". Sadly, the zoo is in a pathetic condition with sad-looking animals, (whatever are left) in ill-maintained enclosures. But, in spite of the horrible state of affairs, the zoo is usually crowded. Not surprising because Mumbai is so much starved for open space, that these 48 acres partially fills in the need. On the positive side, the zoo is quite well laid out and landscaped and probably has the highest number of mature large trees per acre anywhere in Mumbai. The zoo boasts of some of the best and rarest species of trees and plants, and is a haven for botanists and tree lovers. 


Another hidden jewel in the zoo is the Bhau Daji Laad Museum, restored to its original glory by INTACH. It is the oldest museum in Mumbai and has some very interesting artifacts and archaeological collection.

My suggestion is to develop a new, state-of-the-art, modern zoo/ animal park on the outskirts of the city within the Greater Mumbai Metropolitan area, and restore these 48 acres into a public green space amenity ..... which is apparently what it is practically being used as.

All this also reminded me of a Hollywood movie I recently saw on my flight to San Francisco - "We Bought a Zoo". 

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