# Gujarat desert-themed zoological park development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gujarat-desert-themed-zoological-park-development > Updated: 2026-08-14T10:53:09.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the development of a desert-themed zoological park and night safari in Juna Deesa, located in the Banaskantha district of North Gujarat. Managed by the Gujarat Forest Department, the project will occupy approximately 103 hectares of government land with an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore. Described as Asia’s first desert-themed drive-through night safari, the facility will feature five dedicated enclosures for observing nocturnal animals. The park is intended to house roughly 2,700 animals and birds across nearly 83 species. Planned residents include native species such as the Asiatic lion, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, leopard, and Indian wolf, as well as exotic species like African cheetahs, African lions, Angolan giraffes, springboks, ostriches, and potentially kangaroos or emus. Beyond ecotourism and employment generation, officials stated the facility will serve as a center for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, environmental education, and conservation breeding. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Gujarat to host Asia’s first desert-themed night safari Gujarat has received approval for Asia’s first desert-themed night safari in Deesa. The ₹542.14 crore project will house 2,700 animals across 83 species in a drive-through desert ecosystem. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gujarat-to-host-asias-first-desert-themed-night-safari ### 2026-08-12: Gujarat desert zoological park and night safari receives CZA approval The Central Zoo Authority has approved a Rs 542 crore desert-themed zoological park and night safari in Juna Deesa, Gujarat, intended to boost ecotourism and wildlife conservation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gujarat-desert-zoological-park-and-night-safari-receives-cza-approval --- Cite as: Gujarat desert-themed zoological park development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gujarat-desert-themed-zoological-park-development