Penguins in Mumbai

If you told me a week ago that I’d be watching penguins in Mumbai, I’d have laughed out loud. But hey, life loves to surprise us! Byculla Zoo turned out to be the ultimate plot twist in my mundane routine.  

Picture this: adorable little tuxedo-wearing birds waddling around like they're straight out of an animated movie. Yep, penguins! Real, breathing, diving penguins! I stood there, wide-eyed, watching them splash into the water and glide effortlessly like aquatic ballerinas. The way they played with each other made me forget the chaos of the city outside. For a moment, it felt like I had stepped into another dimension.  

But the penguins weren’t the only stars of the show. The zoo is like a treasure trove of wildlife! Bears lazing around like they owned the place, hyenas giving off major villain vibes, leopards slinking through their enclosures with unmatched grace, and alligators chilling like it was their spa day. The bird section was a riot of colors and chirps, reminding me how beautiful nature can be when you take a closer look.  

The best part? My cousins were my partners-in-crime for the day. From cracking jokes about the sleepy sloth bear to racing to see who could spot the leopard first, the laughter just didn’t stop. Of course, chasing kids around and trying to keep up with their energy meant the day ended with me completely wiped out. By the time I got home, I felt like I had run a marathon and then some! I hit the bed and slept like a log, dreaming of penguins and leopards (yes, they made cameo appearances in my dreams too!).  

If you’re in Mumbai and haven’t visited Byculla Zoo yet, what are you even doing? Penguins, leopards, and a truckload of memories are waiting for you. Just make sure to bring your walking shoes and a ton of energy you’ll need it!