Will World Lion Day 2025 Be Celebrated in Gujarat Sanctuary Tomorrow?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- World Lion Day celebrated on August 10 aims to promote lion conservation.
- Gujarat is home to the unique Asiatic Lion.
- The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% since 2020.
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is becoming a second home for Asiatic Lions.
- Significant conservation projects worth Rs 180 crore will be launched.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Thousands of students are anticipated to partake in the World Lion Day 2025 festivities this Sunday at the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, coinciding with the initiation of wildlife conservation projects valued at approximately Rs 180 crore.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav will spearhead the celebrations, with students participating through satellite communication across 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape, as stated by an official release.
In 2024, 18.63 lakh students took part in the World Lion Day celebrations, according to the report.
Observed annually on August 10, World Lion Day focuses on raising awareness regarding the conservation and protection of lions globally.
The Asiatic Lion, a remarkable ecological and cultural asset, is exclusively found in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
The ongoing efforts of the Ministry and the state government under Project Lion have significantly contributed to the survival and proliferation of this iconic species.
The grand festivities for World Lion Day are set to occur on August 10 across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to enhance awareness about the conservation of the ‘King of the Jungle’—the Asiatic Lion.
These majestic creatures inhabit their natural environment across roughly 35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra. The lion population in Gujarat has surged by 32 percent since 2020, escalating from 674 in 2020 to 891 as per the May 2025 lion population estimates.
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 sq. km in the Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Barda is evolving into a second sanctuary for Asiatic Lions.
After the natural migration of lions to this region in 2023, the lion population has increased to 17, which includes six adults and eleven cubs.
This sanctuary represents a vital biodiversity hotspot and plays a crucial role in conserving Asiatic Lions. Being near the Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, the Barda area also possesses immense tourism potential.
A safari park covering an area of 248 hectares is planned, with land allocated by the state government for this initiative. Additionally, wildlife conservation projects worth Rs 180.00 crore will be inaugurated during the event.