Mumbai’s SGNP Welcomes Majestic Asiatic Lions
Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) received a majestic addition to its wildlife offerings with the arrival of a pair of captive Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoo. The lions, brought to SGNP on Republic Day, are set to become part of the park’s iconic captive lion safari, enhancing its appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.
Dr. V Clement Ben, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) for the Western Wildlife Region, shared details of the exchange. “We have brought a pair of captive Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoo to Sanjay Gandhi National Park for its captive lion safari,” he stated, adding that SGNP reciprocated by sending a pair of captive Royal Bengal tigers to Gujarat. SGNP’s veterinary team conducted a thorough assessment of the lions’ health and lineage, finding them in excellent condition. “The pedigree and general health of the pair have been carefully examined and found to be sound,” Dr. Ben confirmed.
This exchange is part of a broader conservation initiative aimed at preserving India’s rich wildlife heritage. Asiatic lions, once widespread across the Middle East and India, are now confined primarily to Gujarat’s Gir Forest. Conservation efforts in the region have successfully stabilised their population, and collaborations like this aim to further safeguard their legacy. SGNP, a biodiversity hotspot and one of the most-visited national parks in India, has been a pivotal centre for wildlife conservation. Its captive lion safari, launched in the mid-1970s, has attracted tourists and generated significant revenue for the park. Initially, the safari housed lions born to Asiatic and African lions rescued from circuses. However, strict directives from the Central Zoo Authority to prevent interbreeding among Asiatic and African lions in captivity have curtailed population growth.
With the arrival of this new pair, SGNP hopes to revitalise its lion safari while continuing to promote awareness of wildlife conservation. Visitors can look forward to spotting these majestic creatures during safaris, which offer a unique experience of viewing lions in a fenced but semi-natural habitat.
