You may have to pay Rs 100 to visit the penguin enclosure at Byculla zoo in Mumbai

After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) administrative wing failed to throw open the Seven Humboldt penguins for public viewing even after seven months, it will now have to again go to the new group leaders of various parties in the civic house for approval of entry fee of up to Rs 100 for viewing the exotic birds kept in Byculla zoo.

As per an earlier proposal approved by outgoing group leaders, entry to penguin enclosure was to be free of cost till March 31, and thereafter Rs 100 was to be charged for each person and Rs 50 for children up to 12 years of age.. But with failing to open the penguins exhibit for public on time, the civic administration will now have to move a new proposal before the new group leaders for approval.

The original proposal had suggestion of charging Rs 200 for family of four with free entry to the.children.According to sources the original proposal is likely to be tabled again, without the mention of any concession. A senior civic officer said, “We are keen on charging upto Rs 100 for adults over an age of 12 and Rs 50 for kids, the new proposal is likely to be similar to the original one, without including any changes that were suggested by the outgoing group leaders. Because there are chances that the new corporators will have some new changes so we will get in the original proposal and accordingly carry out changes if suggested.”

Meanwhile, after the microbiologists gave a positive report after testing the condition of exhibits, the penguins were finally moved from the quarantine after almost seven months to the exhibits. “We want penguins to settle in for a week at least before the exhibit is opened for public. There are chances with the new body of corporators to be formed on Wednesday, the exhibit will be inaugurated next week,” said a zoo official.

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Byculla Zoo penguin exhibit likely to be thrown open to public by next week