Borivli national park to get leopard safari, better facilities

MUMBAI: The animal safari at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivli is set to become more than just watching tigers and lions in their enclosures.
The SGNP officials, on Thursday, made a presentation before the Central Zoo Management Authority in Delhi suggesting the upgradation of the existing mini zoo to a medium zoo. The medium zoo can house 350 animals, 250 more than that of a mini zoo.
According to the proposal, the medium zoo phased to be built between 2013 and 2018 will be spread over 100 hectares, including the existing 30 hectares of lion and tiger safari. Nearly 20 hectares will be occupied by the proposed leopard safari. While 10.28 hectares will comprise structures such as orphanage, administrative building and conservation breeding centre, 39.72 hectares will remain as green zone.

“Visitors often complain that they do not get to see many animals during the safaris except for tigers, lions and deer. The leopards are caged and not open for tourists too. We realised that only when visitors see more animals will they understand their importance in the eco-system,” said Sunil Limaye, director and chief conservator of forest, SGNP.
Every year, around 1.5 lakh people visit the safari.
Currently, 17 animal enclosures are of old designs and interspersed with housing and other forestry activities. “The proposal includes segregation of the zoo from all other facilities, new modern animals enclosures and interpretation facility with trained tourist guides,” said Limaye.
The national park is spread across 104 sqkm and is among the few national parks across the world to be located within city limits. While the lion safari was established in 1974, the tiger safari started in 1998 when the old zoo was converted into a mini zoo.