An eye opener half day trip to Ranicha Baug

Last Friday, I asked my kids, Would you like to visit a Zoo? The younger one looked at me angrily and enquired. Papa, you are yet to take me for ‘Dead Pool 2’. It’s almost three weeks now. My daughter being Papa’s beti agreed instantly. I’m in Papa, she said. After hearing one interrogative and one positive response, I looked at my better half. She laughingly replied, I’m already managing three at home. I don’t need a visit to Zoo. But with a pause she said, let’s kids decide. I will come if they are really interested.

Now the trip could be finalised only if the ‘Dead Pool’ becomes alive. As soon as I agreed for the movie, my son was ready for the trip. It was nice to see the smile of achievement on his face. We had a guest at home, my wife’s 11 year old nephew who was silently listening to our conversation. In fact, I was planning the trip for him so that he could see some places in the city and enjoy his stay here.

After some deliberation, the trio agreed for the trip. We decided to leave early in the morning and come back by late afternoon. I had planned to take them to Zoo known as Ranicha Baug (Queen’s Garden) which is located at Byculla, the heart of the Mumbai city. Initially, the Zoo was named after Queen Victoria. Later on it was renamed as the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Pranisangrahalay (Zoo). It is one of the oldest Zoo in India.

On the next day, we started our journey from Kalyan to Byculla by a slow train as we missed the 8.13 am semi-fast train. While on the way, I’m went into nostalgic mode as I started remembering my numerous visits made to Ranicha Baug during my childhood along with my parents and sometimes with my friends. Those days, the excitement to visit Zoo, Gardens and Beaches was different as there were no Malls and Multiplexes.

On the weekends, the queue at the ticket counter used to be longer one. There were lots of wild animals like Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Deers, Monkeys. In reptiles, section, the crocodile and snakes house were my favourite ones. The collection of aquatic birds in the huge cage was treat for the eyes. It was the best place for school picnic and must visit place for the visitors coming to Mumbai city.

I was in a happy mood to see all the animals again and that too with my family. As we entered the gate of the Zoo, I saw a transformed entrance. The railway station like ticket counter was changed into a modern counter similar to mono rail ticket counters. We bought the new barcoded tickets which were further scanned at the second entrance.

As we moved ahead, it was nice to see so many trees around. A kind of forest environment with small walking paths spread across 53 acres land. It was almost 10.00 am, the Sun started flexing its muscles and we felt the heat. The anxious kids started asking, we don’t see any animals here apart from lots of big trees. I assured them that there are lots to see as we walk further. After some time, I too started feeling the absence of wild animals.

We could hardly see any big animals. There were two crocodiles hidden behind the bamboo trees. A snake trapped in a wooden box. Hippos almost submerged in a small pond. Only beautiful sight was the herd of deers in a big ground. In birds section, Ostrich, Macow, Hornbill, Parrots, Aquatic birds and other small birds are still there. However, the area near the aquatic birds was stinking due to birds waste lying in the cage or may be due to fish served to the birds twice a day. It was difficult to be there for long time.

For a while, we felt happy and relieved as we entered the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit which is very well constructed with high-tech access and full air conditioned. But the sad part was to see the imported Penguins. They appeared to be sick and inactive in the huge glass enclosure. The air temperature in their enclosure is controlled, between 16°C and 18°C, and the water in their pool is between 11°C and 16°C ^[1].We felt whether they really belong here? Was the decision to import them from foreign country correct? Oh, that’s a different story altogether, can’t be covered in this post.

I was disappointed but I liked the huge botanical garden and the way it is maintained. Kids were angry and my wife was already tired after the hour long walk with nothing much to see and talk about. Everybody was hungry too. Finally, I had to take them to the near by known Phoenix Mall for munching their favourite burgers and french fries. After spending some time in the mall, we headed back to Byculla Station for the return journey. As we took our seats in the train, my wife asked me. Was it a good trip? Did you enjoy it? Did kids enjoy it? I said, ‘somewhat’ and went into a silent mode.

With my eyes closed, I was thinking who is responsible for this disappointment? Is it me or the Zoo authorities? Where are the animals gone? What is the Zoo management doing? Is it only Baug (Garden) now? Are Mumbaikar aware about this missing animals? What will be the visitors coming to Mumbai think about this Zoo? Oh my god, so many questions to answers. But, being a hard core Mumbaikar, I believe that things will change and improve. A huge transformation will happen soon and all animals will come back. Let’s hope for some good to happen ☺

I still recommend, if you like big botanical gardens and aquatic birds, you may visit the Ranicha Baug for a half day trip.

Here some beautiful photos of Ranicha Baug captured by me during this visit.

References:
1. In Mumbai penguin cause a flutter – The Hindu

Read more on Indian birds
1. Birds of India – Part 1
2. Birds of India – Part 2
3. Birds of India – Part 3
4. Indian Golden Oriole
5. Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker
6. Common tailorbird
7. Green bee-eaters
8. Seagulls
9. Red-vented bulbul
10. Baya Weaver
11. Coppersmith Barbet the official Bird of Mumbai
12. Oriental Magpie Robin