Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 28: Following the death of Mumbai’s last elephant, Anarkali, the iconic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Vanaspati Udyan and Zoo in Byculla is preparing for a major revamp. Authorities are now set to redevelop the 4,000 sq m space once home to the gentle giant, aiming to introduce new animal exhibits.

Anarkali, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 58, had spent nearly five decades at the zoo. Her death, coming four years after the demise of elephant Laxmi, marked the end of the era of elephants at Rani Baug. In line with guidelines from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Mumbai’s Zoo will no longer house elephants, senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials confirmed.

Zoo authorities have approached Thailand-based HKS Consultants to design a fresh layout for the now-vacant land parcel. “We have a list of CZA-approved animals. Based on that, the revamped enclosure may house multiple smaller species that require less space,” a senior BMC official told reporters. He added that the final plan will be submitted to the CZA for approval once the consultants complete the designs.

Currently, the zoo management is awaiting the consultants’ response. Work on the redevelopment designs is expected to begin after finalising the tender for the zoo’s upcoming exotic zone — a sprawling 10-acre project adjacent to the existing 53-acre facility. The exotic zone is expected to house animals like cheetahs and white lions.

Meanwhile, the 162-year-old Rani Baug facility is pushing for revitalisation amid a worrying dip in visitor numbers and revenue. The zoo witnessed a sharp 21 percent decline in footfall, dropping from 28.97 lakh visitors in the financial year 2023-24 to 23.57 lakh in 2024-25. This is a notable fall from 2022-23, when the zoo recorded nearly 30 lakh visitors and earned Rs 11.59 crore.

Senior officials cited the lack of new exhibits as a key reason behind the dwindling numbers. With the upcoming developments, the BMC hopes to once again breathe new life into one of Mumbai’s oldest and most cherished landmarks.