Published: 15 February 2026Udaipur Kiran / Udaipur TimesRajasthan
Sajjangarh Lion Safari and Reptile House Inaugurated in Udaipur; Rajasthan Gets Second Lion Safari
On February 16, 2026, the Lion Safari and Reptile House at Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur, was formally inaugurated by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. This is Rajasthan's second lion safari (the first being at Nahargarh Biological Park, Jaipur) and the state's first dedicated Reptile House.
The lion safari is spread over a 20-hectare open enclosure at the foothills of Sajjangarh Fort, completed at a cost of approximately ₹3.45 crore. The main attraction is an Asiatic lion pair — Sultan (male) and Sunaina (female) — brought from Gujarat and released into the open enclosure. The Reptile House features 10 modern glass-enclosed enclosures designed to replicate natural habitats, housing rare reptiles being displayed in Rajasthan for the first time. A Wildlife Rescue Centre was also inaugurated alongside.
The development is expected to significantly boost wildlife tourism in the Mewar region, generate local employment, and serve as an educational hub for students and researchers. Sajjangarh Biological Park is part of the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located at an elevation above Lake Pichola, and complements Udaipur's existing eco-tourism assets. Chief Conservator of Forests Seduram Yadav noted that the facilities strengthen both conservation and scientific awareness.
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Q: Discuss the significance of the Sajjangarh Lion Safari and Reptile House inauguration for Rajasthan's wildlife tourism and ex-situ conservation strategy.
Answer (50 words):
On February 16, 2026, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated Sajjangarh Biological Park's Lion Safari (20-hectare enclosure, ₹3.45 crore) with Asiatic lions Sultan and Sunaina from Gujarat, alongside Rajasthan's first Reptile House with 10 enclosures. It is Rajasthan's second lion safari after Nahargarh, Jaipur, boosting Mewar eco-tourism and conservation awareness.
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CoverageRajasthanTypeProjectSubjectRajasthanExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceUdaipur Kiran / Udaipur Times
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Sajjangarh Biological Park is located in which district of Rajasthan?
Explanation · Correct answer CSajjangarh Biological Park is in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
Frequently asked questions
Who inaugurated the Sajjangarh Lion Safari and Reptile House in Udaipur and when?
Rajasthan Governor Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated the Sajjangarh Biological Park's Lion Safari and Reptile House in Udaipur on February 16, 2026. The Lion Safari spans 20 hectares and was developed at a cost of ₹3.45 crore.
Which lions are housed in the Sajjangarh Lion Safari and where were they brought from?
The Sajjangarh Lion Safari houses Asiatic lions Sultan and Sunaina, which were brought from Gujarat. Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) are found naturally only in Gir National Park, Gujarat, making them critically important for conservation efforts.
What is the significance of Sajjangarh Lion Safari as Rajasthan's second lion safari?
The Sajjangarh Lion Safari is Rajasthan's second lion safari; the first is located at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur. The establishment of a second lion safari enhances ex-situ conservation of the endangered Asiatic lion species and boosts wildlife tourism in Udaipur.
What is the Reptile House at Sajjangarh and why is it significant for Rajasthan?
The Reptile House at Sajjangarh Biological Park is Rajasthan's first dedicated reptile exhibit. It adds a new educational attraction to the park, promoting awareness about reptilian biodiversity and contributing to the state's wildlife conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
What is the difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation, and how does the Sajjangarh Lion Safari relate to it?
In-situ conservation protects species in their natural habitat (e.g., Gir National Park for Asiatic lions), while ex-situ conservation protects species outside their natural habitat through zoos, safari parks, and breeding centres. The Sajjangarh Lion Safari is an example of ex-situ conservation, helping maintain a genetically diverse population of Asiatic lions.
