India, May 26 -- The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla has formally agreed to a proposed animal exchange with Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoo involving two pairs of Asiatic lions in return for tufted capuchin monkeys. The Byculla Zoo will facilitate the procurement of the monkeys through an authorised agency.

In a letter dated May 6 to Byculla Zoo director Dr Sanjay Tripathi, the Junagadh-based Sakkarbaug Zoo said it was agreeable to providing two male and two female Asiatic lions (Panthera Leo Persica) to Mumbai, subject to approvals from the competent authorities and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

The development follows efforts by Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde, who had written to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel ...