Thursday, January 31, 2013

Animals in Mumbai

Mumbai is such an urban place, you wouldn't think there would be many animals around, but there are :)


Cows - I come across a lot of cows during my walk/runs.  Usually they are just sitting on the side of the street or wandering in between cars.

Ox Carts - The streets are loud and crazy with a lot of traffic - buses, cars, trucks, rickshaws. Among all that  - you will see a cart loaded down with stuff being pulled by two oxen

Goats - In other cities of India, I've seen goats wandering around the streets.  In Mumbai, I just see them near Mutton shops.  Then a few hours later, I don't see them  :)  dinner!

Roosters - They aren't too common, but you do see them on the streets sometimes.  I was walking the other day and I heard a little boy scream - I looked up and saw a rooster biting a chunk out of his thigh! by the time I got there, adults had run out of shops to help him.  poor thing.  I walked a very wide arc around those roosters!!!

Dogs - I used to be terrified of dogs, but that has abated a lot.  There are a lot of wealthy people in my neighborhood that have cute little pure breed dogs they walk around on leashes.  There are a ton of street dogs everywhere!!    I also work at a dog shelter with the 6th graders as our Community Service.  Can you believe I help at a dog shelter??  Washing and walking dogs.  ME!!  

Cats - Cats are much rarer than dogs on the street.  Mostly just abandoned kittens. Except for "cat lady".  This street lady a few blocks from my house that always has about 5 cats with her when she is lighting fires on the street to cook - hopefully not the cats!!  Her corner always smells like cat pee!

Rats - Sometimes I have to dodge a rate that jumps out while I'm running.  Or jump over dead rats in the street.

Crows - In my mathematical estimation, 99% of the world's crow population lives in Mumbai.  They are everywhere.  I think I had been pooped on by a bird a total of 2 times in my whole life.  I moved to Mumbai and I think I have been pooped on 6 or 7 times - in 18 months!!!

Horses - I don't know why I start laughing every time I see someone riding a horse in the streets of Mumbai!  I've seen elephants in the streets, but that is rare.  Horses are more common, but for some reason, elephants don't phase me, but seeing a horse cracks me up.  I guess because it just seems so NORMAL.  and I am not used to seeing normal here.



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