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Animals from Karnataka attracting Mumbaikars
Mrityunjay Bose
DHNS
Last Updated IST
(Photo: DH)
(Photo: DH)

Animals from Karnataka - two leopards and two hyenas - are the cynosure of all eyes in the Mumbai Zoo.

The Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan & Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo or Ranibaug, is one of the oldest zoos of India. The zoo is currently undergoing a major facelift and upgrade.

Last year, two leopards were brought from Pilikula Nisarga Dhama (Mangalaru Zoo) and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo).

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On 26 January, coinciding with the Republic Day festivities, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the new attractions in the zoo - that is now witnessing increased footfalls.

"The leopards and hyenas are very popular among the visitors in the last couple of weeks several people came to see the new-look zoo and its attractions," Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, the director of Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan & Zoo, told DH.

A new aviary, that houses 100 species of birds, has also been inaugurated - which is the biggest and tallest in India.

Dr. Tripathi said that the male leopard has been named 'Drogone' and the female 'Pinto'.

A pair of tigers have also been brought from Siddharth Garden & Zoo in Aurangabad. "In few weeks, visitors would be able to see it," said Dr. Tripathi.

Lions are also expected to be brought from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Junagadh.

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(Published 19 February 2020, 13:27 IST)