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BMC Invites Bids to Build Exotic-Animal Zones at Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo

Construction is slated to start by mid-January with a three-year build once contracts are awarded.

Overview

  • The plan covers the zoo’s additional 10 acres with 18 new enclosures featuring a separate ticketed entry and visitor amenities such as a themed restaurant, shelters and pathways.
  • Designs have Central Zoo Authority approval, and animal procurement will commence only as exhibits near completion.
  • The zoo aims to source more than 20 species—including white lions, jaguars, pumas, meerkats and zebras—primarily through exchanges with Indian zoos, with international tenders as a fallback.
  • New arrivals will undergo a month-long quarantine with routine health screenings before moving into their assigned habitats, officials said.
  • Cost reporting varies, with Hindustan Times citing ₹4.98 crore for the 18 enclosures and other outlets estimating roughly ₹490–500 crore for broader infrastructure, while a separate ₹146 crore contract for a large Nahur aviary has been awarded to Dev and DB Consortium.