World Lion Day 2025 to be Celebrated in Gujarat
India is set to celebrate World Lion Day 2025 with grandeur and purpose. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department of Gujarat, will host the event on August 10 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka district.
Leaders to Join the Celebrations
The event will be graced by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. Gujarat Forest Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera, Members of Parliament, and state legislators will also attend. This collective presence reflects the nation’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of the iconic Asiatic Lion.
World Lion Day, observed annually on August 10, raises awareness about the conservation of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion is not just a species but a symbol of pride and heritage. Found only in the Saurashtra region, these lions have been protected under initiatives like Project Lion and through continuous monitoring by the Gujarat government.
Success Story of Asiatic Lion Conservation
The numbers speak for themselves. The lion population in Gujarat has surged by 32% in just five years — from 674 in 2020 to 891 in May 2025. This growth highlights the effectiveness of conservation measures and the dedication of forest officials, researchers, and local communities.
Why Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is Special
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 sq. km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. It is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions. Natural migration in 2023 brought lions to the area, and today, it hosts 17 lions — 6 adults and 11 cubs.
Barda is also a biodiversity hotspot, rich in flora and fauna. Its proximity to the Dwarka–Porbandar–Somnath tourist circuit makes it a potential hub for eco-tourism. Plans are underway for a safari park covering 248 hectares, with land already allocated by the State Government.
Major Conservation Investments
During the celebrations, wildlife conservation projects worth ₹180 crore will be launched. These initiatives will focus on habitat improvement, prey base enhancement, and technology-based monitoring to ensure the long-term survival of the Asiatic Lion.
Involving the Next Generation
The celebrations go beyond the sanctuary. Lakhs of students from schools and colleges across the 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape will join virtually via satellite communication. In 2024, over 18.63 lakh students participated, creating a massive wave of awareness among the youth.