After the tragic passing of two tigers in just two months, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden And Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo, will get new tigers. The two new tigers that the zoo will get to rebuild its tiger population will be relocated from the Gorewada Zoo in Nagpur. It is hoped that this pair will aid in stabilizing the tiger population of the Mumbai zoo. The Byculla Zoo is run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Byculla Zoo To Get New Tigers From Nagpur
A written proposal has been submitted to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for the transfer of the tigers. The transfer will happen in exchange for rare bird species for the Gorewada International Zoo.
The authorities at the Gorewada Zoo have agreed to the exchange of fauna in principle. Upon receiving the approval from the CZA, the exchange can be carried out.
The Byculla Zoo is also planning on taking measures to strengthen its conservation and breeding of tigers. This will ensure a healthy breeding pool for the Royal Bengals.
Two Tigers Die In Two Months
The tiger population at the Byculla Zoo took a significant hit last year. On October 29, 2025, a three-year-old cub named Rudra passed away. On the 17th of the very next month, a nine-year-old male named Shakti also passed away.
Shakti succumbed to pneumonia-induced respiratory issues, and since then, the zoo’s tiger population has halved. As of now, there are only two tigers there. One is a female tiger named Karishma, and the other is her cub, Jay.
Shakti and Karishma arrived at the Byculla Zoo together in 2020 from Aurangabad, which was quite the event for the zoo. Apart from these tigers, the Byculla Zoo houses a variety of other species of flora and fauna alike. It is quite the local attraction.
FAQs
When Will The New Tigers Arrive?
They’re expected to arrive by late 2026 and are pending CZA approval.
Are There Any Tigers Left In The Zoo Now?
Yes, tigers Karisma and Jay are there.
Is The Gorewada Zoo In Nagpur Open For Visitors?
Yes, it is one of Asia’s largest safari parks.
