The other phase one works include fortifying the entire zoo by constructing compound walls and grills, building service roads, the quarantine area for new animals and a veterinary hospital. The phase one is expected to be completed in 18 months.

At a cost of Rs 433 crore, BMC’s modernisation plan of the Byculla zoo will be carried out in four phases. Phase two includes shifting of heritage structures within the zoo premises, constructing the entrance plaza and car park and other restoration works. Phase three includes sprucing of enclosures where the animals are kept while more animals will be acquired in phase four.

“After the elections, the work on phase two and three will begin simultaneously. It will take about 2 to 3 years to complete the entire process,” said an official from Technotrade Impex India Ltd, the company carrying out the work.

Sameer Desai, Congress corporator and member of the standing committee said, “As per the conditions set by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC), the work under phase one will begin soon.”

MHCC had insisted that the existing green cover in the zoo should not diminish during the makeover. “The specialised service roads will be built in such a way that it will not damage the roots of trees. Not a single tree will be uprooted from the premises of the zoo,” a MHCC official added.

New animals acquired from other parts of India and the world will be kept in the quarantine ward where they will adjust to the new climactic conditions before they are shifted to their enclosures.