World Lion Day 2025 will spotlight India’s commitment to conserving the Asiatic Lion, with grand celebrations at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and across 11 Saurashtra districts, marking remarkable progress in lion population growth and habitat expansion.
Highlights:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in partnership with the Forest and Environment Department of Gujarat, will celebrate World Lion Day 2025 on August 10 at the scenic Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district. The event will be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, Gujarat Forest Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera, Members of Parliament, State legislators, and other dignitaries.
Observed annually, World Lion Day aims to raise global awareness about lion conservation and protection. In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion holds exceptional ecological and cultural significance, being found exclusively in the Saurashtra region. Under Project Lion and the visionary leadership of the Gujarat government, significant milestones have been achieved in ensuring the growth and survival of this iconic species.
This year’s celebrations will extend across 11 districts of Saurashtra, encompassing the Greater Gir Lion Landscape where these majestic predators roam over 35,000 sq. km. The state’s conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results, with the lion population increasing by 32% since 2020—from 674 lions in 2020 to 891 lions as per the May 2025 estimation.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 192.31 sq. km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, is rapidly becoming a vital second habitat for the Asiatic Lion. Since the natural migration of lions in 2023, its population has reached 17—comprising 6 adults and 11 cubs. Situated near the Dwarka–Porbandar–Somnath tourist circuit, the sanctuary holds strong eco-tourism potential. To further promote tourism and conservation, the State Government has earmarked land for a planned 248-hectare safari park.
Additionally, wildlife conservation projects worth Rs 180 crore will be inaugurated during the celebrations. The event will also feature mass participation, with lakhs of students from schools and colleges across the 11 districts joining via satellite communication—building on last year’s remarkable engagement of 18.63 lakh students.
World Lion Day 2025 promises to be both a celebration of conservation success and a call to continue safeguarding the ‘King of the Jungle’ for future generations.
