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Gujarat’s Deesa to get ₹542-cr zoo, desert-themed night safari: Official
The Gujarat Forest Department will develop the project on 103 hectares of government land at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved the proposal for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Deesa in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district to develop Asia’s first desert-themed drive-through night safari, an official said on Wednesday.
The Gujarat Forest Department will develop the project on 103 hectares of government land at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore.
“The proposed Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari is being developed over about 103 hectares of government land at Deesa. The project has been prepared in accordance with Central Zoo Authority guidelines and has an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore. It has now received approval from the Central Zoo Authority,” forest and environment minister Arjun Modhwadia said.
The zoo is planned to house around 2,700 native and exotic animals and birds representing nearly 83 species. It will include a day zoo and five dedicated night safari enclosures, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals after sunset.
Minister of state for forests and environment Pravin Mali said the project would also focus on conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, environmental education and scientific interpretation.
“The project will not only provide visitors with a unique wildlife experience but will also serve as a centre for conservation breeding, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, environmental education and scientific interpretation of nature,” Mali said in a statement.
The park will be designed around a desert ecosystem with arid landscapes. According to Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Gujarat, Indian species planned for the facility include chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Asiatic lion, leopard, Indian porcupine, Indian hare, hedgehog, sloth bear, caracal, Indian wolf, golden jackal, striped hyena and Indian desert fox.
The proposed park will also house species from other desert ecosystems. African species listed in the plan include Angolan giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, scimitar oryx, African kudu, springbok, addra gazelle, black rhinoceros, chimpanzee, meerkat, African cheetah, African lion, fennec fox, bat-eared fox and ostrich. Kangaroos, emus and wallabies are among the Australian species planned for the park. The facility will also include a reptile safari, rainforest biome, aquarium, aviary, reptile house and butterfly park.
Visitor facilities will include an interpretation centre, food court, souvenir shop and golf cart services.
Forest officials said the site was selected because of its 103 hectares of land, natural sand dunes, proximity to the Banas river and road and railway connectivity.
