Mumbai: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Zoo and Botanical in Byculla has added four new gharials to its crocodile enclosure, brought in from Ranchi Zoo. The new arrivals are already on display, offering visitors an exciting glimpse of these rare and endangered reptiles.
Earlier, Byculla Zoo lacked a dedicated habitat for crocodiles and gharials. However, in May 2023, the zoo introduced a first-of-its-kind underwater viewing deck reportedly the first in Asia. This innovative feature includes an elevated gallery that allows visitors to witness the reptiles' movements both above and below water, offering an immersive experience.
The specially designed trail features two separate enclosures, which were previously home to just one crocodile and two gharials. To enhance the exhibit the zoo approached Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi last year, leading to the recent arrival of four additional gharials now on display for public viewing.
"We received the gharials aged between six to eight years in exchange for eight cockatiels (four white and four grey) sent to Ranchi Zoo,” a zoo official confirmed.
Byculla Zoo’s new gharials from Ranchi Zoo on display at Asia’s first underwater viewing deck | File Photo
Meanwhile, a new reptile house is proposed to be constructed opposite the hippo exhibit within the zoo. The ground-plus-one-storey structure will house a total of 12 species, including the trinket snake, Indian cobra, Indian rock python, and striped keel back, among others.
