Nagpur: In a major step toward positioning Nagpur as a leading wildlife tourism destination, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, July 1, between FDCM Gorewada Zoo Limited and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC-India) for the development of a world-class African Safari at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik at a formal ceremony held in the committee hall of Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai. The agreement marks the official green light for the ambitious ₹285-crore project that will transform 63 hectares of Gorewada Zoo into an African wildlife zone, complete with safari routes, an iconic entry plaza, and immersive animal exhibits.

The signing was attended by NBCC Chairman and Managing Director K.P.M. Swamy, Executive Director Pravin Doiphode, Managing Director of Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation Naresh Zhurmure, and CEO of FDCM Gorewada Zoo Ltd. Chandrashekharan Bala. Also present were Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) Milind Mhaiskar and Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Vikas Kharge.

The African Safari, which will showcase 22 African species, is designed to elevate Gorewada Zoo to global standards. The construction is to be completed within 18 months, with NBCC handling project execution. CM Fadnavis had earlier instructed officials to fast-track the safari and plaza development as part of the zoo’s expansion into a premier tourist and conservation center.

What to Expect at the African Safari:

The safari will be divided into two zones:

🔸 Island Exhibits (Moated Enclosures) – Visitors will get a close view of spotted hyenas, white rhinoceroses, patas monkeys, red river hogs, African lions, chimpanzees, cheetahs, and hamadryas baboons.

🔸 Open-Range Exhibits – A walk-through or ride-through experience featuring ostriches, hippos, impalas, gemsbok, common eland, blue wildebeest, giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, and kudus.

Officials stated that once completed, the safari will boost eco-tourism, promote biodiversity awareness, and establish Nagpur as a central wildlife destination in India.

Project Background:

• The Indian Safari, featuring native species, was completed earlier and inaugurated on January 26, 2021.
• The African Safari forms the second phase of the Gorewada Zoo expansion.
• NBCC, a national-level PSU, will carry out the design and construction work.

The African Safari is expected to not only elevate the visitor experience but also foster conservation education and generate employment in the region. With its international design and focus on ecological sensitivity, the project is poised to make Gorewada Zoo one of the most unique zoological parks in Asia.