Sakkarbaug Zoological Park

Brief History

Sakkarbaug zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos of India. The Sakkarbaug zoo was established in the year 1863 by erstwhile Nawab of Junagadh, H.H. MahobatkhanjiBabi-II. It may be only zoo in the world to be set up expressly to interact with a wild life sanctuary. From its inception, the zoo has rendered health, medical and rescue services to the last surviving wild population of Asiatic Lion of the Gir Sanctuary and National Park.The legend and popular belief is that the name Sakkarbaug has originated from a garden having sweet water well. (Sakkar means sugar and baug means garden).

Sakkarbaug zoo is situated in the foothills of mount Girnar, and on the outskirts of Junagadh city. Total area of existing zoo is 84 hectares, which accommodate 37 species of mammals, 60 species of birds and 14 species of reptiles. Thus a total of 1039 wild animals are housed in different enclosures. 35 species of fish are displayed in aquarium situated within zoo.

The Sakkarbaug zoo has maintained the purity of its stock of Asiatic lions and thus is recognized world over. Sharing the fruits of success and to achieve a healthy captive population of this species world over, this zoo has supplied over 180 Asiatic Lions in the last 50 years to the different zoological collection of India and abroad. Sakkarbaug zoo has provided more than 300 Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer for the herbivorous restocking programme in Girnar, Barda, Rampara Wildlife Sanctuaries and forests of Godhra and Bhavnagar divisions.

Sakkarbaug zoo has been allotted Conservation Breeding Programme of Asiatic lion, Indian wild ass, Indian wolf, Four horned antelope, Chinkara & Vultures, by the Central Zoo Authority of India.