State 17 August 2026
Gujarat’s Deesa to Get Asia’s First Desert-Themed Night Safari
Why in the News?
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has officially approved the proposal to establish Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari and 'Desert Zoological Park' at Deesa in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The Gujarat Forest Department will develop this ambitious project over 103 hectares of government land at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore.
Key Features / Major Points:
Project Layout: The park spans across 103 hectares and will feature a day zoo alongside five dedicated night safari enclosures for viewing nocturnal wildlife.
Fauna Diversity: It will house nearly 2,700 native and exotic animals and birds representing around 83 species from Indian, African, and Australian desert ecosystems.
Conservation Focus: Apart from tourism, the facility will serve as a hub for conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and environmental education.
Site Selection: Deesa was selected due to its natural sand dunes, proximity to the Banas River, and excellent road and rail connectivity.
Static GK Facts:
Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Established: 1992 (Statutory body under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) | HQ: New Delhi
Capital of Gujarat: Gandhinagar
Chief Minister of Gujarat: Bhupendra Patel
Governor of Gujarat: Acharya Devvrat
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
In which district of Gujarat will Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari be developed?
Answer: Banaskantha (Deesa)
In which year was the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) established in India?
Answer: 1992