Humboldt penguins are native to the South American Coast in countries like Peru and Chile, and survive in temperatures ranging from 4-26 degrees Celsius
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has strongly opposed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court that asks for the seven Humboldt penguins, kept at the Byculla Zoo, to be sent back their natural habitat.
Humboldt penguins are native to the South American Coast in countries like Peru and Chile, and survive in temperatures ranging from 4-26 degrees Celsius
The corporation claimed that the city zoo is the only place in India with facilities to house the exotic species, and if sent back, Indians will be deprived of viewing them.
A detailed affidavit filed on Monday by the Director of the Zoo, Dr Sanjay Tripathi, states that as per the approved animal collection plan and master plan, the zoo has to exhibit 18 Indian animals and five exotic spices, which includes emu, hippopotamus, jaguar, zebra, and humboldt penguins.
The affidavit states that as per the Association of Zoo and Aquarium Penguin Care Manual, these penguins adapt to captive conditions and are more sturdy and easy to manage the Antarctic penguins. More than 125 zoos across the world, including countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore with similar climatic conditions, exhibit the Humboldt penguins.
The BMC’s affidavit assured the court that proper facilities were being provided by the zoo to house the penguins. The temperature of the water, enclosure and surrounding is being minutely monitored, and proper hygiene is being maintained. The penguins are presently kept in a quarantined area in the civic body-run zoo.
Of the eight penguins brought to the city in July 2016 from South Korea, one died within three months.
The affidavit was filed opposing the PIL filed by advocate Advait Sethna. The plea sought interim direction to BMC not to display the penguins to public, pending hearing of the petition. However, the court while directing the petitioner to reply to the affidavit, refused to grant any relief and posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
The BMC also informed the court that the public display area for the penguins is under construction, and until then, the penguins will remain in quarantine where only veterinary doctors and a keeper are allowed.
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