World Lion Day 2025 to be Celebrated Tomorrow in Gujarat

India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department of Gujarat, will celebrate World Lion Day 2025 on August 10, 2025, at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat.

World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10, aims 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.

Due to consistent efforts under Project Lion, significant strides have been made in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species. However, despite the efforts, the Asiatic Lion is categorised as ‘Endangered’ according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. It was upgraded from ‘Critically Endangered’ in 2008 due to conservation efforts, increasing the Asiatic Lion population over the years.

The grand celebrations of ‘World Lion Day’ will be organised on August 10 across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to promote awareness about the conservation and protection of the ‘King of the Jungle’—the Asiatic Lion.

These majestic animals roam freely in their natural habitat across approximately 35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra. The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% since 2020, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 as per the May 2025 lion population estimation.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions, spanning 192.31 sq. km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.

After the natural migration of lions to the area in 2023, the lion population has increased to 17, including 6 adults and 11 cubs. The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions.

Being in the vicinity of the Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, the Barda area holds a significant tourism potential. A safari park in about 248 Ha area is planned to be initiated, for which land has been allocated by the State Government. Wildlife conservation works amounting to about Rs 180 crore will also be launched at the event.

The event will also be joined virtually by lakhs of students from the schools and colleges across the 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape.

During 2024, 18.63 lakh students participated in the event on World Lion Day.