Established in 1883, Bombay Natural History Society
(BNHS) is known to be one amongst the largest non-governmental
organizations in India. Since its inception, it has been working
whole-heartedly for the conservation of nature and natural resources,
education and research in natural history. It instigates discussions and
observations on natural history in its forum. BNHS also showcases an
interesting collection of specimens from natural world in its museum,
called Bombay Natural History Museum.
Over 30 countries, which have joined BNHS as its active members are
working with the primary principle of conservation, rooted in scientific
research. Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned Ornithologist and Naturalist,
fostered the tradition that became the guiding principle of the society.
BNHS has its headquarters in the Hornbill House, which was specially
constructed in South Mumbai. Being a society, BNHS bankrolls studies in
Indian wildlife and conservation.
What's more, it publishes a four-monthly journal called 'The Journal of
the Bombay Natural History Society' and 'Hornbill', a quarterly
magazine. The logo of Bombay Natural History Society has been enthused
with William, a hornbill that lived in the grounds of the society during
its early years. It has been over a century, rare specimens are still
being donated to the society from nature lovers across the world.
Here, one can see replicas and rare specimens of vertebrates, insects,
beetles, butterflies and embalmed reptiles. A temporary membership of
the society is available, which enables one to know more about society's
activities in the sphere of nature conservation. With this, one can even
access the library and attend the weekly lectures. Bombay Natural
History Society is not open to public, so interested ones are required
to take prior permission for admittance.
