Sakkarbaug Zoo (Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden) is a large, old zoological park at the foothills of Girnar, spread over about 84–200 hectares of green space depending on the defined boundary. It is globally known as India’s key captive breeding centre for purebred Asiatic lions, supplying animals to zoos within the country and abroad as part of conservation programmes. Visitors can see lions, leopards, deer, antelopes, birds and reptiles, along with a natural history museum that displays skeletons and taxidermy specimens. Wide enclosures, tree cover and views towards Girnar make it feel closer to a wildlife park than a tiny city zoo. For families and wildlife lovers using Ghoomein, it’s an easy add-on to a Junagadh–Gir itinerary.
About this place
History & highlights
The zoo was founded in 1863 by Nawab Mohabat Khanji II of Junagadh State, making it one of India’s oldest zoos. Over time it became the main centre for Asiatic lion captive breeding, later recognised by the Central Zoo Authority as the coordinating institution for this programme. In recent decades, Sakkarbaug has expanded its conservation role to include vultures and other threatened species, while gradually upgrading enclosures to modern standards. It now receives over a million visitors a year and is a major wildlife education hub for Saurashtra.
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