Sena chief to inaugurate penguin exhibit at Byculla zoo today

The seven Humboldt penguins were shifted to swanky 1,550 sq ft exhibit a fortnight ago after being quarantined since their arrival in Mumbai...

The controversial and the much delayed penguin exhibit at the Jijamata Udyaan or the Byculla zoo, will be thrown open to public from Saturday. Visitors will have to pay only entry fee to the zoo, which is Rs5, for now.

Initially, eight penguins were brought from South Korea last July. However, one of the birds succumbed to stomach and liver infections following which the remaining seven were quarantined immediately. (HT file)

The exhibit will be inaugurated by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday evening. The seven Humboldt penguins were shifted to their swanky 1,550 sq ft enclosure a fortnight ago.

Initially, eight penguins were brought from South Korea last July. However, one of the birds succumbed to stomach and liver infection following which the remaining seven were quarantined immediately. As per instructions given by the vet, zoo officials have decided to restrict the number of visitors to the exhibit.

Moreover, civic officials will be sending a proposal to the corporators, seeking approval to levy a sperate charge for the penguin exhibit — Rs100 for adults and Rs 50 for children below the age of 12.

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