The Junagadh Zoo was built in 1863 by the then Nawab. Incidentally, the zoo is the oldest one in Gujarat. He had set up this zoo in order to save the Asiatic Lion from extinction. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is located at around 3.5 km from the center of the city. The zoo is open on all days of the week from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Entry fee to this zoo is Rs 3. Junagadh Zoo is home to 71 species of animals. According to latest reports, there are around 850 animals in the zoo.
Asiatic Lion
The main attraction of the Junagadh Zoo is the Asiatic Lion. There are around 300 of them alive today and all of them can be found in the Gir Forest nearby. Previously the Asiatic Lion was found on the stretch between the Mediterranean and India. The zoo has taken the uphill task of preserving this species by starting the Endangered Species Captive Breeding program. According to this program, the lions are bred in the zoo and then let out in the nearby Gir Forest.
Other animals found at the Junagadh Zoo are tigers, leopards, lions, elephants and different other species. The flamengo birds are also found in this zoo. Inside the zoo, one can find the Junagadh Zoo Museum. Rare manuscripts, sculptures, miniature paintings and several other artifacts are displayed here. The museum organizes seminars and travel sessions regularly for the benefit of the tourists. Films are also shown in the museum.
Last Updated on 06/06/2013
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