Gandhinagar, August 12: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the construction of Asia’s first desert-themed zoological park, featuring a drive-through night safari in Disa, located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. This project, developed by the Gujarat Forest Department, aims to promote wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has initiated numerous efforts to protect forests and wildlife. The Prime Minister has consistently emphasized that the conservation of nature and wildlife is a vital part of India’s culture and tradition. The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is implementing various wildlife conservation projects across the state, including the proposed desert-themed zoological park in Disa.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated, “The proposed Disa Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari will be built on approximately 103 hectares in Old Disa. This project is designed according to the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority, with an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crores. The ambitious project has now received approval from the CZA.”
Notably, this project is taking shape in the assembly constituency of State Minister for Forest and Environment Praveen Mali, who considers it his dream project.
Praveen Mali mentioned, “This zoological park is designed as a modern conservation facility, housing around 2,700 native and exotic animals from approximately 83 species. The project will provide visitors with unique wildlife experiences, alongside serving as a center for conservation, breeding, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, environmental education, and scientific interpretation of nature. The zoo in Disa will be Asia’s first desert-themed zoo and the third of its kind in the world, as well as the fourth night safari zoo globally.”
Minister Mali emphasized that the project’s main attraction will be its world-class night safari, where visitors can observe nocturnal animals in specially designed enclosures after sunset. The project will feature a separate “Day Zoo” and five dedicated enclosures for the night safari, making it a significant addition to the tourism circuit in North Gujarat.
Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Jaipal Singh stated that the zoological park will house animals such as chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Asiatic lion, and leopards.
He further explained that the zoological park will include separate enclosures for different species, aviaries, a reptile house, a butterfly park, an interpretation center, a food court, a souvenir shop, golf cart services, and additional amenities for visitors.
Aradhana Sahu, Chief Conservator of Wildlife Circle in Gandhinagar, noted that the project will incorporate green technologies to minimize environmental impacts, including rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant, solid waste management systems, solar energy, planting of local flora, and green buffer zones.
According to Deputy Conservator of Forests Popatrao Gardi from the Banaskantha Wildlife Division, this zoological park will also become a major tourist attraction alongside sites like Wadhwan, Ambaji, and Nadabet. Additionally, it will serve as a flagship destination for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
The zoological park will feature various animals from the Indian desert, including porcupines, rabbits, desert hares, Indian wild asses, bears, caracals, Indian wolves, jackals, and Indian desert foxes. Other highlights of the project will include a reptile safari, a rainforest biome, and an aquarium.
African desert animals will be a major attraction, featuring Angolan giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, scimitar-horned oryx, African kudu, springboks, addra gazelles, black rhinoceroses, chimpanzees, meerkats, African cheetahs, African lions, fennec foxes, bat-eared foxes, and ostriches. Additionally, Australian desert animals like kangaroos, emus, and wallabies will also be key attractions for visitors.
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