The Zoo at Mumbai formerly known as Victoria Gardens, and presently known as Jijamata Udyaan is located at a locality known as Byculla in Mumbai the commercial capital of India. Established in 1861 on a land area of 48 acres, this is also known as Rani Jijamata Udyan Victoria Garden or Ranee Baug. This is one of the oldest Zoos in the country and has among its inhabitants a large variety of Birds and other creatures. The Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly known as Victoria and Albert Museum), which was mostly of industrial and agricultural interest.)  On the entrance door of the museum is a giant elephant statue, which was transferred from the Elephanta Caves present on Elephanta Islands to Britain in 1864. And were later returned to the gardens.

Here the visitors can see a number of rare birds and animal species.

History

The area on which this Zoo is located was originally owned by David Sassoon a wealthy businessman of Jewish origin. He got the Victoria and Albert Museum designed by a famous London Architect. The design inside was similar to that of the Magen David Synagogue also located at Byculla. David Sassoon had also got the Victoria Tower with a Clock built here, but the Clock is not functional any more. David Sassoon donated the entire property to the Municipal Corporation of Bombay. Originally an area of 33 acres was acquired in 1862 and developed as Victoria Gardens. It was thrown open to the public in 1872 by Lady Frere. The stone elephant that stands at the entrance also has a history as stated previously. It was brought from Elephanta Island where it stood on the shore.

The zoo ahs many of the endangered species of flora and fauna, and a large number of wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears and monkeys 

Animals

The 25 lakh visitors to this zoo annually can see 200 animals relating to 26 species and 450 birds that relate to 45 species, besides the eight reptiles housed here. The entrance tickets are nominally prices at Rs. 5 for adults and Rs.2 for children. Though accused very often of poor maintenance, the Zoo authorities are quite pleased at having successfully bred macaws and swans and even releasing 200 deer into their natural habitat. Few years back, Mumbai Byculla Zoo has gifted 2 elephants to Japan.

Location

Address:  Byculla, Mumbai

Phone number: Contact can be established at :022 23742162, 23725799

Location: It is easily reachable by boarding a local train or hiring a taxi/auto or bus from anywhere in the city.

Visit timing

Visitors are permitted to enter from 10.30 am till 5.00 pm. Except on Wednesdays the place is open all days

Ticket charges

Rs 2/-for child (age between 3 to 12)
Rs 5/-for adults.

Facilities: It is allowed to take Cameras, Drinks, Mobile Phones.  Facilities of Parking, Refreshments/Cafe, Washroom are available on the premises.