- World Lion Day is an annual international event celebrated on August 10.
- World Lion Day 2025 will be celebrated in Gujarat, India.
New Delhi, India, August 9, 2025 — The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department of the Government of Gujarat, will celebrate World Lion Day 2025 on August 10, 2025, at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat state.
The celebration will be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Gujarat Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera, Members of Parliament, state legislators, and other public representatives.
World Lion Day is celebrated annually on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. The Ministry and the state’s consistent efforts under Project Lion, along with the leadership of the Gujarat government, have made significant strides in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species.
The grand celebrations of World Lion Day will take place on August 10 across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat. The event aims to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of the Asiatic Lion, often referred to as the “King of the Jungle.” These majestic animals inhabit approximately 35,000 square kilometers of natural habitat in the region. Since 2020, the lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32%, growing from 674 in 2020 to 891, according to the May 2025 lion population estimate.
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 192.31 square kilometers across the Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. It is becoming a second home for Asiatic Lions. Following their natural migration to the area in 2023, the lion population has increased to 17 individuals, including six adults and 11 cubs. The sanctuary serves as an important biodiversity hotspot and plays a crucial role in the conservation of Asiatic Lions.
The Barda area, situated close to the Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, has excellent potential for tourism development. The State Government has approved plans for a safari park that will span approximately 248 hectares. Furthermore, the government will also launch wildlife conservation initiatives totaling around Rs 180 crore during the event.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
CitiTimes 