mid-day editorial: Let's give these penguins some TLC

Eight Humboldt penguins reached the Byculla zoo from South Korea, yesterday, bringing to an end all the controversy and speculation that erupted ever since it became public knowledge that the authorities planned to import the exotic birds.

Reports stated that this is a South American species of penguin, and officials say there are five females and three males. The public will be able to view them towards the end of the year, as they have been quarantined now. These tuxedoed entrants have inspired activists to protest on their behalf and have received their fair share of attention, with a good amount of press and debate prior to their arrival. Now that they are here, though, one hopes they are well taken care of.

Zoo authorities and caretakers need to be very well-trained in how to take care of the species. While assurances have been given, it remains to be seen just how well these birds will be looked after.

The activists and a section of the public are justified in their cynicism. We cannot boast of a good record when it comes to animal welfare. The Byculla zoo itself is not a sterling example of animal well-being. Most of the cages are empty and the zoo is bereft of a number of animals. Stunning environs, heritage facades and so much greenery, one cannot help feeling that there is so much potential in this Udyan, but for some reason or the other, we do not have many animals here and the zoo in fact was steadily losing animals year after year.

This Humboldt penguin project, undertaken at considerable expense, now needs to work here. One assumes a good deal of research and study has happened before their arrival. Now is the time to prove the sceptics completely wrong.

These little birds, dressed like cricket umpires in days of yore, must be so well looked after that they bowl visitors over. Howzatt, Rani Bagh? Are you up for the Penguin test?