Now Reading: Gujarat’s Deesa to get Rs 542-cr desert zoo and night safari
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Gujarat’s Deesa to get Rs 542-cr desert zoo and night safari
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
A Rs 542-crore zoo with imported African and Australian animals raises questions about priorities. While tourism and conservation are noble goals, many Indian zoos struggle with basic upkeep and animal welfare. Before celebrating this as a milestone, one must ask: will the night safari generate enough revenue to sustain itself, or will it become a drain on state resources? The first year's visitor numbers and animal mortality rates will reveal the truth.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
