Introduction
In a major boost to wildlife tourism and arid-zone ecological education, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on 18 August 2026 officially approved the Master Plan for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Deesa in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, establishing Asia's first-ever desert-themed drive-through night safari.
Faunal Habitats & Desert Zoological Architecture
The state-of-the-art night safari recreates natural nocturnal desert bioclimates across continents:
- African Arid Mega-Fauna: Houses specialized desert-adapted species including the Angolan giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Scimitar oryx, African kudu, Springbok, Addra gazelle, Black rhinoceros, Chimpanzee, Meerkat, African cheetah, African lion, Fennec fox, Bat-eared fox, and Ostrich.
- Australian Arid Fauna: Features specialized enclosures for Red kangaroos, Wallabies, and Emus.
- Distinction from Desert National Park: While the new Night Safari is located at Deesa in Gujarat, India's iconic Desert National Park is situated in Rajasthan (Jaisalmer and Barmer), where sand dunes comprise 44% of its area protecting the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
Key Facts
- Project: Asia's First Desert-Themed Drive-Through Night Safari
- Location: Deesa, Banaskantha District, Gujarat
- Approving Body: Central Zoo Authority (CZA - Statutory Body under Wild Life Protection Act 1972)
- Exotic Desert Fauna: African (Cheetah, Scimitar Oryx, Fennec Fox) & Australian (Kangaroos, Wallabies)
- Geographical Contrast: Desert National Park is in Rajasthan (Jaisalmer/Barmer, GIB Habitat)
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic covers Ex-situ Wildlife Conservation, Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Desert Ecosystems, Desert National Park (Rajasthan), and Wildlife Tourism in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
The Deesa Desert Night Safari establishes an international ex-situ conservation center, offering immersive education on fragile desert adaptations and promoting sustainable wildlife tourism.