The heart-pounding moment of spotting a tiger in the wild is an experience like no other. The excitement is not just limited to tiger sightings. In addition, safaris allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of the ecosystems. Good news for wildlife enthusiasts! After five years, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park tiger safari in Mumbai is back in operation.
Tiger Safari Begins Again In Sanjay Gandhi National Park
State forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar officially reopened the tiger safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on Wednesday after it had been closed for the previous five years. After a chain link fence fell in 2016, the 20-hectare safari area was locked, giving guests access to just one hectare.
According to an article published by Hindustan Times, rebuilt at a cost of ₹5.5 crore, the revamped safari would feature new cages, a crawl space, and a primary and secondary safari. There are five female tigers, including a juvenile, and two male tigers in the tiger enclosure. The 20 hectares will now be enclosed, giving the tigers a place more like their native habitat. This park was opened to visitors in 1998.
Due to the large number of leopards that are either abandoned by their parents, imprisoned in different metropolitan areas, or have turned into maneaters, the forest service is also requesting permission to establish a leopard safari. This will take up 20 hectares as well.
Also read No More Elephant Safari At Assam’s Kaziranga National Park; Here’s Why
How To Travel There?
As per the article, the state forest minister also introduced six 30-passenger electric vehicles for use on safari and excursions to Kanheri Caves. They will depart from the SNGP main gate. Since the National High-Speed Rail Corporation used the Tungareshwar forest area and a portion of Sanjay Gandhi National Park for the bullet train, the company donated the vehicles. Five buggies were also donated by the company. The nine buses in the second instalment will arrive shortly as well.
There is now one male and one female lion on the lion safari, but SGNP officers are also revamping it. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZMA) has requested that the state forest department expand the safari to a total of 20 hectares from its current 12-hectare footprint, as it does not meet CZMA regulations. One more pair of lions from Gujarat is being obtained by the state forest department for the safari.
These safaris provide an unparalleled adventure that goes beyond the thrill of spotting a wild cat. So, when are you heading to this safari?
Cover image credits: Canva
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