# Gujarat’s Deesa to get Rs 542-cr desert zoo and night safari 2026-08-12T19:37:17+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Central Zoo Authority has approved Gujarat's Rs 542.14-crore Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Deesa in Banaskantha district, making it Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari. The project will come up on 103 hectares of government land and house about 2,700 animals and birds from 83 species, including Indian and exotic desert species. The park will feature a day zoo and five night safari enclosures, along with a reptile safari, rainforest biome, aquarium, aviary, and butterfly park. Forest officials said the site was chosen for its natural sand dunes, proximity to the Banas river, and good connectivity. The project also aims to serve as a centre for conservation breeding, wildlife rescue, and environmental education. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - economictimes.indiatimes.com Tags: Central Zoo Authority, Deesa, Gujarat, night safari, tourism, zoo Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/gujarats-deesa-to-get-rs-542-cr-desert-zoo-and-night-safari/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/gujarats-deesa-to-get-rs-542-cr-desert-zoo-and-night-safari/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.