Gujarat forest dept to set up lion safari park near Diu

AHMEDABAD: Now, you can hear lions roar while soaking up the sun in Diu. Gujarat forest department is setting up a lion safari park on the Gujarat-Diu border along the lines of Ambardi and Devalia safari parks.
Officials in the state forest department said the government has appointed an architect to design the park.
“This park will be a major attraction not only among visitors to Diu, but also among those taking the coastal highway,” said the officer.
The officer said the park will house zoo-bred lions. “The Ambardi safari park near Dhari was planned for those visiting Diu and Tulsishyam. But it was later noticed that many visitors chose to take the coastal highway route to Diu,” he said.
The officer said the safari park will have two pairs of lions, four cubs and ungulates to give it a Sasan Gir-like feel.
He said the department does not need to acquire land for the park since there is already a patch of forest land in the area, just 7.7km from Diu. The officials said they plan to introduce both bus and jeep safaris here.
Nityanand Srivastava, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), said, “Yes, the department has plans to set up one more safari park in the lion’s abode. An architect has been appointed and work will begin after he submits a report.”
The officials said the safari park has been planned to boost tourism, keeping in mind people taking the coastal highway route to Somnath and Dwarka.
The government also has plans to set up an open safari park at Kevadiya, where visitors can see lions and tigers from up close.
One such facility has already become a star attraction for those visiting the Statue of Unity.
Sources said the proposed safari in Kevadia will be double the size of the existing one nearby, which is spread over 375 acres and also houses a geodesic dome aviary.