Mumbai: After seven years, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo at Byculla has reintroduced blackbucks to its collection, receiving three new animals from the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj, Pune. Currently housed in a quarantine facility, the blackbucks are expected to be available for public viewing by next week, subject to health clearance.
Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the black buck is classified as a Schedule I protected species. A herd typically consists of 10 to 30 black bucks. Black bucks are part of the antelope family.
A few years ago, the zoo housed over 40 black bucks. However, many of these animals passed away due to old age by 2018, and no new pairs were brought as the zoo underwent renovation. There were no black bucks in the zoo since then.
Last year, the zoo had approached Aurangabad and Pune for pair of blackbucks. In April, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj donated two female and one male blackbuck.
"They have been in quarantine since April 3 to help them adjust and ensure they are disease-free. If cleared by vets, they will be opened for public viewing next week," said an official.
The next batch will be brought in after necessary clearances and transport arrangements from Pune. In the wild, blackbucks live for 10–12 years, with a longer lifespan in captivity.
Meanwhile, the zoo’s star attraction — the Humboldt penguins — has seen a delightful addition with the birth of three chicks in March. The first pair, Popeye and Olive, welcomed their chick Noddy on March 3. The second pair, Daisy and Donald, welcome their chicks — Tom on March 7 and Pingu on March 11.
With these additions, the penguin population at the zoo has grown to 21. The zoo had already undertaken a work to expand the enclosure by about 400 sq. ft., adding to the current 1,800-sq.ft. exhibit. The expanded space will be able to accommodate up to 40 penguins.
