Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo at Byculla have decided to change the diet plan for carnivorous animals, following recent concerns over Avian Influenza (bird flu). As a preventive measure, the zoo authorities will now only provide water buffalo meat to these animals, eliminating chicken from their meals. This decision comes after the deaths of three tigers and one leopard at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada Zoo in Nagpur due to Avian Influenza. In addition to the dietary changes, animal keepers will be required to wear masks and gloves while handling the animals. 

Following the incident, the Central Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AH&D) directed zoos to implement measures for the prevention, control, and containment of diseases. At Byculla Zoo, carnivorous animals are typically fed buffalo meat daily, with chicken added as a variation once a week or every ten days. In response to the incident, zoo authorities have immediately removed chicken from their diet.

Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, the zoo director, confirmed that the zoo currently houses four tigers, four leopards, two hyenas, and two foxes, all of which are healthy and showing no signs of illness.  

The zoo provides 10 kilograms of buffalo meat to each tiger, 5 kilograms to each leopard, and 2 to 3 kilograms to each hyena and fox. To ensure the safety and health of the animals, zoo authorities have mandated that staff wear masks, clean their footwear in footbaths before entering the enclosures, sanitise spaces, and adhere to other disinfectant protocols. The zoo requires approximately 21,000 kilograms of meat annually, in addition to fish, vegetables, and fruits.

On weekdays, the zoo records about 3,000 visitors, while weekends and public holidays see 10,000 to 12,000 visitors. Currently, the zoo is home to 388 animals, birds, and reptiles. Last year, the zoo attracted 24.2 lakh visitors, generating a revenue of Rs. 9.5 crores.