Gujarat's New Zoo: Lions Roar in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Gujarat is on the cusp of a significant expansion in its wildlife infrastructure with the planned establishment of a new zoo within the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district. This initiative, the first of its kind in nearly 40 years, aims to create a substantial eco-tourism and conservation hub. The project is slated for development on approximately 250 hectares near Timbdi village, enhancing the recently launched lion safari that commenced operations in October 2024. This strategic location within a natural sanctuary setting, rather than an urban area, highlights a unique approach to wildlife tourism. The Barda region has successfully nurtured a growing population of Asiatic lions, currently numbering 17, including 11 cubs born within the sanctuary, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and a robust prey base established by a deer breeding center. The comprehensive plan includes a rescue and rehabilitation center, an interpretation zone, and visitor amenities, alongside a jungle safari designed to allow close observation of wildlife in their natural habitat. This new zoo is anticipated to anchor a tourism circuit connecting Porbandar, Madhavpur beach, and Dwarka, further enriching Gujarat's tourism offerings. The last public zoo in Gujarat was established nearly four decades ago in Surat.