New school in town: Byculla zoo! ….Swati Soni
The zoo takes on a new role as teacher for botany, zoology and architectural students, finds swati soni
The zoo takes on a new role as teacher for botany, zoology and architectural students, finds swati soni
We get students from several faculties studying different aspects of the zoo, explains A Paranjape, chief public relations officer, Byculla zoo. Also, the zoo is being proactive about its advantage as an educational institution. We conduct different courses on our premises as well as special tours for zoology students, says Paranjape.
The zoo authorities have also started special programmes for the staff. They have started training zoo-keepers in different areas of veterinary science as well as different aspects of dealing with animals.The zoo also tops the list when it comes to the internship for vets. The experience they gain here is invaluable. They deal with a variety of animals, understand feeding patterns and vaccinations, says Dr Sanjay Tripathi, deputy commissioner, Byculla zoo.
Of course, apart from animals, the zoos 500 varieties of flora attracts a variety of Botany students. We come here regularly to understand the environment. The zoo is one of the only green lungs of South Mumbai, says Bhavna Viadya, a student of Mumbai University.
Apart from all these activities, each year on June 5, the zoo celebrates World Environment Day. We have NGO eco-folkswho participate in street plays, awareness drives and seminars. It becomes an insightful experience, explains Paranjape.
With colleges such as Ruia and Sathe as regulars, the Byculla zoo definitely has a new role to play in city life.
swatim.soni@timesgroup.com
swatim.soni@timesgroup.com
Plans for Revamp
The zoo is taking its role as an educational institute rather seriously. On the anvil are:
* An interpretation center.
* An auditorium.
* A seminar room.
* A full-fledged museum depicting wildlife.
The zoo is taking its role as an educational institute rather seriously. On the anvil are:
* An interpretation center.
* An auditorium.
* A seminar room.
* A full-fledged museum depicting wildlife.
* 100 The average number of MCGM schools who visit the zoo annually for their educational trips