Udaipur is gearing up to welcome the majestic roar of lions in the next six months, as a Lion Safari is underway behind the Sajjangarh Biological Park. The Central Zoo Authority granted approval on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, permitting to bring a lion pair from Junagadh, Gujarat. The process of bringing the lions from Junagadh to Udaipur is anticipated to be completed within the next six months. In exchange, Udaipur's Sajjangarh Biological Park will contribute two pairs of foxes, one pair of jungle cats, two pairs of chinkara deer, one pair of spotted deer, and two pairs of jackals to the Junagadh Zoo.

The approval comes after proposals for the Lion and Tiger Safaris at Sajjangarh Biological Park were sent to the Central Zoo Authority approximately five years ago, and were officially sanctioned in April 2023. The Lion Safari, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.3 crore, will be established in a 20-hectare area, while a Tiger Safari, costing an estimated Rs 3.8 crore, will be developed in a 25.7-hectare space. Both safaris will be situated on vacant land behind the Sajjangarh Biological Park.

Anticipated to be a major attraction, both safaris will offer a 30 to 45-minute immersive experience. Separate tickets will be required for entry, with ticket prices to be determined by the Forest Department's committee at a later date.

The Tiger Safari boasts a 1450 square meter road, a 2.1-kilometer visitor path, and an 8969 square meter green buffer. Covering 25.7 hectares, it includes a holding area of 442 square meters. On the other hand, the Lion Safari, spanning 20 hectares, features an 8969 square meter green buffer and a holding area of 297 square meters. Both safaris will have a double barrier entrance gate and a 30-square-meter guard room. 

Source: Rajasthan Patrika