Rajkot: In good news for wildlife enthusiasts, Gujarat is set to establish a new zoo inside the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Once realised, this will be the first zoo to be set up in the state in nearly 40 years.

The forest department is finalising plans for the zoo on around 250 hectares near Timbdi village in Porbandar district, an area that has recently emerged as a promising habitat for Asiatic lion. The project will complement the lion safari launched in October 2024, which has already received a positive response from visitors. Officials said funds have been allocated and the proposal is awaiting clearance from the Central Zoo Authority.

The sanctuary has evolved into a viable lion habitat over the years. From the initial movement of a lone lion and the subsequent introduction of five lionesses, the population has grown to 17, including 11 cubs born within the sanctuary. Earlier conservation measures, including the establishment of a sambar and spotted deer breeding centre in 2014, helped build a strong prey base.

The project is being planned as a comprehensive eco-tourism and conservation hub. Along with the zoo, it will include a rescue and rehabilitation centre, an interpretation zone, and visitor amenities such as a souvenir shop. Authorities are also considering a jungle safari model on the lines of the Devaliya safari near Gir, enabling visitors to observe wildlife in a natural setting.

Notably, Gujarat’s last public zoo, Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo, was established in Surat in the mid-1980s. DeshGujarat