Jijamata Udyan (Byculla Zoo) is a popular attraction for kids in Mumbai. If you live in Mumbai, its a place you must visit with your kids at least once. Having said that. many will be disappointed with the number of animals/species that are on display in the zoo (considering that Mumbai is the financial capital of India).
The Good and the Bad
Kids are excited to see all sorts of animals. So even if there are only a few species of animals, they are anyways going to be excited.
GET INSTANT HELP FROM EXPERTS!
- Looking for any kind of help on your academic work (essay, assignment, project)?
- Want us to review, proofread or tidy up your work?
- Want a helping hand so that you can focus on the more important tasks?
Hire us as project guide/assistant. Contact us for more information
However, as an adult, you will feel disappointed:
- Humboldt Penguins: A recent addition to the zoo. The authorities have built a huge complex to house the penguins. When you wait in the queue, you feel you are going to witness something spectacular. However, once you enter the complex, you will be disappointed. There’s a small water tank — around 2.5 metres tall and around 7 metres wide which houses 6-7 penguins. You get to see them for about a minute or two, and then you are asked to make way for other visitors. You cannot take pictures unless you pay for it separately.
- No tigers, leopards or wild cats
- Hardly any big animal barring hippopotamus. Elephants are there (just two) and they are usually chained around 25-30 metres away.
- 2 Crocodiles (alligators actually) and 1 python. But there are very small in size — nothing awesome about them
- There’s one small bear, but it stays inside its den most of the time, so not visible
What I have heard from my friends is that other cities in India have better zoos with lots of wild animals (the bigger ones).
But as I said, kids will get excited, especially if you live in Mumbai and if they haven’t been to the zoo before.
Do take your kids to the Prince Of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya). It has a wild life section, where there are lot of stuffed animals (they look like real ones). Even though the animals are not real, they look like real ones, and there are many, many species.
I now plan to visit the Borivali (SGNP) national park, where they have a wildlife/jungle safari, and show you leopards and tigers (I really hope that is true).
More About Jijamata Udyan
Jijamata Udyan (Udyan means a big garden) is spread across 52 acres and is located in the heart of Mumbai (near byculla station). Its popularly known as Mumbai (Bombay) zoo. Other names used are Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, Rani Bagh, Byculla Zoo and formerly Victoria Garden. ‘Mumbai Zoo’ is the only wild life animal park in city that houses various species of animals and birds.
Byculla Zoo: Details
Age Group 1 to 60
sKey Attractions Museum, Parks, Greenery, Zoo, Medicinal Garden
Picnic Venue Yes
Days & Timings March to June- 9:00 AM to 6:15 PM
July to October- 9:00 AM to 5:45PM
November to February- 9:00AM to 5:30PM
All 7 Days Open
Photography Allowed
Restroom Available Yes
Parking Yes
Rani Baug/Byculla Zoo: Map
StudyMumbai.com is an educational resource for students, parents, and teachers, with special focus on Mumbai. Our staff includes educators with several years of experience. Our mission is to simplify learning and to provide free education. Read more about us.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.