27 July,2016 07:22 AM IST | | A Correspondent
mid-day takes a sneak peek at Byculla Zoo’s newest residents
After months of anticipation and uncertainty, Mumbai's very own penguins finally moved into Byculla Zoo in the early hours yesterday. mid-day took a sneak peek at the little critters, and found that things were going swimmingly.
Within hours of their arrival, the penguins were seen taking a dip in their private pool
After a seven-hour journey all the way from COEX Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, the eight Humboldt penguins were moved into a temporary enclosure of nearly 1,000 sq ft, where they will stay for the next 2-3 months, until their permanent enclosure is ready.
Dr Sanjay Tripathi, zoo director, said, "The birds will be kept in quarantine for two months so that they get acquainted with the climate."
Dr Tanmay Rai, project coordinator for Hindustan Construction Company, which has been awarded the contract for the procurement of the penguins and construction of their enclosure, said, "This is the first time any zoo in India will exhibit Humboldt penguins. We are happy that BMC gave us the opportunity to be part of this historic moment."
Asked whether the birds were stressed because of long journey, Rai replied in negative. Indeed, this reporter found the young birds busy swimming in the pool inside their air-conditioned home.
