Asia's First Desert-Themed Night Safari and Zoological Park Approved in Gujarat

Key Facts

• The Central Zoo Authority approved the project on 12 August 2026.
• Location: Juna Deesa in Banaskantha district, northern Gujarat; area approximately 103 hectares of contiguous government land.
• Estimated budget: ₹542.14 crore.
• The park is planned to house around 2,700 animals and birds representing nearly 83 species, including native Indian desert species such as chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Asiatic lion, leopard, caracal, wolf, striped hyena, and desert fox.
• Exotic species include African fauna like cheetahs, giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, black rhinoceros, scimitar oryx, lions, meerkats, ostriches, and Australian desert species such as kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.
• Facilities: Separate day zoo and five night safari enclosures designed to allow observation of nocturnal animals after sunset under controlled lighting conditions.
• Sustainability measures: use of rainwater harvesting, solar energy, sewage treatment plants, solid waste management, native plantations, and green buffer zones.
• The project aims to be a centre for wildlife conservation breeding, rescue, rehabilitation, environmental education, and scientific interpretation.

Background & Context

The Gujarat Forest Department is developing this desert-themed zoological park and night safari to strengthen wildlife conservation, promote eco-tourism, and generate employment in North Gujarat. The Juna Deesa site was selected due to its contiguous land, natural sand dunes, proximity to the Banas River, and good connectivity. The Central Zoo Authority oversees and regulates zoos in India under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting recognition and ensuring adherence to standards for animal welfare and conservation.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This project highlights India’s ongoing initiatives in wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and eco-tourism development in arid regions. It exemplifies implementation of conservation breeding, rescue, rehabilitation, and environmental education aligned with national policies. Understanding the Central Zoo Authority’s role, statutory mandate, and functions is crucial in environment and biodiversity-related syllabus of competitive examinations. The project also illustrates sustainable development practices and inter-sectoral planning, relevant for environment, geography, and governance topics.

Points to Remember

• Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoological park approved in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district at Juna Deesa.
• Central Zoo Authority approval obtained on 12 August 2026.
• Project cost estimated at ₹542.14 crore, covering about 103 hectares.
• Houses approximately 2,700 animals and birds from nearly 83 species — native Indian desert species and exotic African and Australian species.
• Consists of a day zoo and five night safari enclosures enabling nocturnal animal observation.
• Includes advanced ecological sustainability measures such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, sewage treatment, and solid waste management.
• Functions as a centre for conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, environmental education, and scientific interpretation.
• Banaskantha district is in northern Gujarat, sharing a border with Rajasthan.
• The Central Zoo Authority is a statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, regulating Indian zoos with a focus on animal welfare, conservation, and scientific breeding programs.