Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 6: A naming controversy has taken centre stage at Mumbai’s iconic Byculla zoo after the birth of three Humboldt penguin chicks earlier this year. BJP leaders have raised objections to the chicks being given English names, demanding instead that they be named in Marathi to reflect the cultural roots of Maharashtra.

The protest, spearheaded by BJP functionary Nitin Bankar from the Byculla assembly constituency, unfolded outside the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo — popularly known as Rani Baug. Bankar argued that while English names were acceptable for the original batch of penguins brought from abroad in 2016, chicks born on Maharashtrian soil should carry Marathi names to honour the state’s linguistic pride.

“When penguins were brought from South Korea, we accepted English names. But these chicks are born here. Giving them Marathi names is about giving due respect to our language and culture,” said Bankar, who claimed that multiple appeals to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) went unacknowledged.

The zoo, however, continued its tradition of whimsical English names, christening the three chicks Noddy, Tom, and Pingu. Officials explained the rationale, saying Tom was named as a complement to “Jerry,” a chick born in June 2023, while Pingu and Noddy continued the theme of child-friendly cartoon names. The trio was born in March to penguin pairs Popeye–Olive and Donald–Daisy.

“The elder chick, Tom, often gets more food from the parents, and we ensure Pingu gets enough through our feeding routine,” said zoo biologist Dr Abhishek Satam. The chicks are currently under close monitoring and are expected to begin exploring the pool in the coming weeks.

With these additions, the Humboldt penguin population at the facility has risen to 21. Zoo officials confirmed that expansion plans are already in motion, with a proposed 400 sq ft extension to the enclosure aimed at accommodating up to 40 penguins.

Officials lauded the zoo’s progress in breeding Humboldt penguins in Indian conditions, noting that most of the birds are in their prime reproductive years, with more hatchlings expected in the near future.

Despite the scientific achievements, the naming debate has reignited discussions about linguistic identity and cultural representation in public institutions — with the BJP stressing that Marathi, as a classical language, must be accorded due recognition in all aspects of civic life.