New wildlife attraction to feature lions, giraffes, rhinos; project expected to open by January 2027
Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to sign a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, July 1, for the development of the much-anticipated African Safari Project at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo in Nagpur. The signing ceremony will take place at Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, between the State Forest Department and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC).
Backed by a government-approved budget of ₹517 crore, the African Safari aims to become a world-class wildlife tourism destination. Spread across 63 hectares, the project will feature an immersive African ecosystem complete with over 33 exotic species including African lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and rare white rhinoceroses.
The project also includes a Night Safari, new visitor entry plaza, interpretive facilities, and state-of-the-art animal enclosures. A sum of ₹80 crore has been allocated specifically for the acquisition of animals, sourced through international channels.
Designed with the assistance of international zoo planners and landscape architects from Singapore, the African Safari will simulate an authentic savanna environment, enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience. The implementation will be carried out by NBCC, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (FDCM).
According to officials, construction is expected to begin before the monsoon, with the first phase focusing on core infrastructure and enclosure development. The African Safari is expected to be open to the public by January 2027.
The Gorewada Zoo already houses the popular Indian Safari, which features tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other herbivores. With the African Safari now in motion, tourism officials expect a sharp rise in footfall, creating new employment opportunities and positioning Nagpur as a major wildlife tourism hub in India.
Today’s MoU signing by CM Fadnavis marks a major milestone in the state’s eco-tourism and infrastructure agenda, reinforcing the government’s vision to develop Nagpur as a premier wildlife and tourism destination.
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