Coronavirus: BMC shuts Byculla zoo

To check the spread of novel Coronavirus, the Mumbai civic body has decided to close its Veermata Jijabai garden and zoo in Byculla for the public till the next orders from Sunday. "We have decided to close zoo from Sunday till the next order to curb the spread of novel coronavirus," a civic official said.

The zoo, popularly known as "Rani cha Baug", houses a large number of animals, including various species of exotic birds, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and hippopotamus. Meanwhile, acting on the Union government's guidelines, the civic body has temporarily suspended the biometric attendance system for employees till March 31.

As of now, nine people tested positive to Coronavirus in Mumbai and the metropolitan region. The number of positive cases in Maharashtra rose to 33 on Sunday.