After nearly four decades, Gujarat is set to add a new zoo to its wildlife infrastructure. Notably, this facility will not be located in an urban area but within the natural setting of a sanctuary. The Gujarat forest department is finalizing plans to establish a zoo in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district, a region rapidly emerging as a new habitat for Asiatic lions.
Project Details and Location
The proposed facility will be developed on approximately 250 hectares near Timbdi village. It will complement the lion safari that began operations in October 2024, which has already received an encouraging tourist response. Forest officials confirm that funds for the project have been allocated, and the proposal awaits approval from the Central Zoo Authority. What makes this project distinctive is its location: close to Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and within a sanctuary landscape rather than a city park.
Lion Population and Conservation Efforts
The region has witnessed the development of a natural lion corridor, accompanied by conservation efforts that have helped build a viable population of big cats. From the initial arrival of a lone lion and the later introduction of five lionesses, the population has grown to 17 lions, including 11 cubs born within the sanctuary. Wildlife experts note that the groundwork for this expansion was laid earlier through the establishment of a sambar and spotted deer breeding centre in 2014, which created a strong prey base for the predators.
Comprehensive Eco-Tourism Hub
The upcoming facility is planned as a comprehensive eco-tourism and conservation hub. Apart from the zoo, the project blueprint includes a rescue and rehabilitation centre, an interpretation zone, and visitor facilities such as a souvenir shop. Authorities are also planning a jungle safari modelled on the popular Devaliya near Gir, allowing visitors to observe lions and other animals in their natural surroundings from safari vehicles.
Historical Context
Gujarat's last public zoo was built nearly 40 years ago in Surat — the Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo, established in the mid-1980s. The Barda initiative marks a significant milestone in the state's wildlife infrastructure development.
Tourism Circuit and Connectivity
The Barda initiative is expected to anchor a new tourism circuit linking Porbandar, Madhavpur beach, and Dwarka, one of Gujarat's most visited pilgrimage destinations, which already attracts nearly 10 lakh visitors annually. With improved connectivity through rail, airport facilities in Porbandar, and plans for a new airport near Dwarka, officials believe the new zoo and safari could divert a significant share of tourists to Barda. This would add a major new attraction to Gujarat's wildlife and tourism landscape, which currently revolves around circuits such as Junagadh–Sasan–Somnath–Dwarka.
