Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Mumbai Zoo Penguin Naming Sparks Language Debate
In Mumbai, India, a disagreement has emerged regarding the names of three newborn penguin chicks at a zoo.
Local political figures from the BJP want the penguins to have Marathi names, a local language, arguing it is appropriate since the chicks were born in the region.
Currently, the zoo names penguins in English.
The officials have ignored requests from the BJP.
The chicks were born in March to two penguin couples.
The first batch of penguins arrived at the zoo from South Korea in 2016.
The zoo is expanding the penguin enclosure to accommodate more birds, as many of the current penguins are of breeding age.
The zoo has had success breeding penguins.
BJP leaders are protesting the English names of newly hatched penguin chicks at Mumbai's Byculla zoo.
The leaders are demanding Marathi names for the chicks.
The zoo has been using English names for penguins since the first batch arrived in 2016.
The chicks were born in March to two penguin couples, with names like Noddy, Tom, and Pingu.
The zoo is planning to expand the penguin enclosure to accommodate more penguins.
- Who
- BJP leaders, zoo officials, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- What
- A dispute over the naming of penguin chicks.
- When
- The debate began after the birth of three penguin chicks in March.
- Where
- Byculla Zoo in Mumbai, India.
- Why
- BJP leaders want the penguin chicks to have Marathi names.
English Naming Advocate
Marathi Naming Advocate
Naming Preference
English Naming Advocate
Continue the tradition of English names for penguins.
Marathi Naming Advocate
Penguin chicks born in Maharashtra should have Marathi names.
- Zoo Name
- Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Penguin Species
- Humboldt
- Number of Chicks
- 3
- Current Penguin Count
- 21
- Proposed Expansion
- Additional 400 sq feet