The Asiatic lion news archive - 2006

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2006.

DATELINE: November 16, 2006
Gujarat to get 2nd safari park for Asiatic lions

Anil Nair

Ahmedabad, Nov 16 (PTI) For wildlife lovers who have not managed to get a glimpse of majestic Asiatic lions of the Gir safari park in Junagadh district of Gujarat, there is a better opportunity coming up.

The state wildlife board has decided to set up a second safari park in Amreli district soon and has got most of the required clearances, senior officials of the forest department said.

"The state wildlife board has cleared the setting up of a second safari park in the state. It will be at Amberdi forest range in Amreli district," Junagadh district forest officer Bharat Pathak told PTI.

The official, however, did not give specifics like the size of the upcoming safari park but said it would be a good alternative for the animals (living in Gir safari park) and for wildlife enthusiasts coming from across the country.

A forest department source said this second safari park would be a big boost for tourism as nearly 2000 wildlife lovers had returned from Devadia safari park in Gir in the past few months without sighting a single lion.

Source: Press Trust of India
http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/%24All/68BF01820FE3FF44652572280025F865?OpenDocument