Gujarat Tourism
In case you missed spotting some of the rare wild species in Gir National Park, you can get those glances in the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, also known as Junagadh Zoo. The place is just two kilometres from Junagadh city and is spanned in an area of around 200 hectares. The park provides enough space for its animals to enjoy the naturalistic enclosure which allows them to exhibit natural behavior in the settings of the park.
Junagadh Zoo is most famous for housing Asiatic lions. This species of lion only roams freely in Gir National Park. But if you could not make it to Gir or had not been lucky enough to spot them even in the jeep safari of Gir National Park, you can spot the majestic Asian lions in the Junagadh Zoo. This park even plays a vital role in the conservation of Asiatic Lions by conducting breeding programs for their healthy population. visitors can witness the lions up close which is more engaging for them.
There are many other animals in the zoo including various species of deer, leopards, antelopes, panthers, and birds.
Animals in Junagadh Zoo
Junagadh Zoo has hundreds of mammal and bird species within its boundaries. The most notable mammal species in the zoo include the Asiatic lions, Indian grey wolves, leopards, tigers, black panthers, langurs and rhesus macaques monkeys. Several deer species like spotted deer, sambar deer, and blackbuck, antelope species of nilgai and chinkara. other mammals like wild boars, hippopotamuses, and flying squirrels.
Junagadh Zoo has bird species of parrots, hornbills, pelicans, peacocks, Malabar Pheasant, red-breast partridge, geese, swans, ducks, and many more. Moreover, you can see various reptile species of snakes, lizards, and turtles.
Special Things to Know
- Junagadh Zoo was established by Babi Nawabs of junagadh.
- The zoo commenced in the year 1863.
- It is the oldest zoo in Gujarat and the fourth biggest in India.
- In 2009, two pairs of African cheetahs were exchanged for three lions from Singapore.
- In 2011 Indian gaur, Malabar giant squirrels, marmosets, and green pheasants were received from Mysore Zoo in exchange for a pair of Asian lions.
- The zoo also has a natural history museum.
