Central Zoo Authority seeks status report on surviving penguins in Mumbai

Following the death of a female Humboldt penguin at Byculla zoo last month, the Central Zoo Authority

Following the death of a female Humboldt penguin at Byculla zoo last month, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) – the central government body that regulates and oversees the functioning of zoos in India – has written to Byculla zoo demanding a status report on the seven remaining penguins in the zoo’s quarantine facility. It has also sought a detailed post-mortem report within seven days.

The Humane Society International India, an organisation that works for the welfare of animals, wrote a letter to CZA, after which the zoo authority raised questions for those managing Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, popularly known as Byculla zoo.

The Humane Society International India, an organisation that works for the welfare of animals, wrote a letter to CZA, after which the zoo authority raised questions for those managing Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, popularly known as Byculla zoo.

In its letter, the CZA notes concerns of the Humane Society, such as the poor care given to the penguins, which may have led to the death of one of them. It also asked whether the aquarium from where the penguins were procured was registered with the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and whether norms set by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZAs) were followed when housing the penguins.

Sanjay Tripathi, director of Byculla zoo, said, “We have received a correspondence from the CZA, following a letter written by animal organization. We will send our reply and the status report soon.”