Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden

Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is an 84-hectare facility with roughly 100 enclosures housing over 1200 animals from different species. The grounds also include a natural history museum and offer visitors several zones to explore animals from varied habitats and regions.

The facility was founded in 1863 by Mohabat Khanji Babi-II, the ruler of Junagadh state, making it the oldest zoo in India and the fourth largest in the country. This long history reflects its sustained importance as a place for preserving knowledge about animals across many generations.

The natural history museum within the facility displays skeletal remains of regional wildlife species, helping visitors learn about Indian fauna through permanent collections. These exhibits reflect how people here value and preserve knowledge of their local animal heritage.

The zoo is open Monday through Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00, with parking available near the entrance. Plan your visit for these afternoon hours and wear comfortable shoes to explore the sprawling grounds.

The facility runs a specialized breeding program for Asiatic lions, contributing specimens to international conservation efforts for this endangered species. This work makes it an important player in global animal protection projects.

Location: Junagadh district

Inception: 1863

Address: Rajkot Hwy, Joshipura, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001, India

Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday 15:00-18:00; Thursday-Sunday 15:00-18:00

GPS coordinates: 21.54200,70.46500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:20