**Byculla Zoo to Introduce New Reptile House Featuring 13 Snake Species**
Mumbai: Following the crocodile trail, Byculla’s Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo is set to introduce a new reptile house showcasing 13 species, including the Indian cobra, rock python, and striped keelback.
The ground-plus-one structure is currently in the final planning stages, with tenders expected to be floated within the next month. Construction will commence after the tender process, and the facility is slated to open to visitors within two years.
At present, the reptile enclosure at Byculla Zoo, once home to a variety of snakes, houses only two species — the Indian rock python and the rat snake. Due to the declining number of species, the existing enclosure will be dismantled and rebuilt to better accommodate the current reptiles and allow for the addition of more species in the future.
The Central Zoo Authority has already approved the project. The new reptile house is proposed to be constructed opposite the hippopotamus exhibit within the zoo.
This new enclosure will feature 13 indigenous and exotic snake species, with a pair of each species. Informative display boards will be installed throughout the facility to help visitors identify and learn about the reptiles.
Spread across 500 square meters, the habitat is being designed by a consultant who is currently finalizing the layout. Once the plans are completed, tenders will be invited.
“The tender will be floated within a month,” said Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, Director of Byculla Zoo.
The new enclosure will be developed to house various snake species, including the cobra, Indian rock python, checkered keelback, Russell’s viper, sea snake, and others. Each species will be kept in a separate glass enclosure designed to replicate its natural habitat.
These enclosures will include naturalistic features such as rocks, trees, grass, and water to ensure a suitable and enriched environment for the snakes, enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-byculla-zoo-to-build-new-reptile-house-featuring-13-snake-species-including-indian-cobra-and-rock-python