Bengal Safari Park in North Bengal’s Siliguri has broken all previous revenue records, witnessing a rise in tourist turnout this year. The park earned ₹71 lakh in October 2024, surpassing the ₹61 lakh collected during the Puja season from Durga Puja to Diwali. This is a ₹10 lakh increase compared to the festive period, leaving park authorities elated.
Officials expect the revenue to climb even higher during the winter season, as 18 new animals will soon be opened for public viewing. The long-awaited lion safari is also likely to be launched early next year, which is expected to draw even larger crowds.
Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda expressed satisfaction with the growing popularity of the park. She said that Bengal Safari Park had recorded a remarkable income during the Puja month, exceeding previous years’ figures.
With the steady rise in tourist numbers, the park’s infrastructure is being improved and new animals have been added to enhance visitor experience. Park Director Vijay Kumar confirmed that last year’s Puja revenue of ₹61 lakh had been surpassed this October, with collections touching ₹71 lakh.
In July, the park received 18 new animals from Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo, including a pair of Himalayan black bears, two male Indian wild dogs, two pairs of painted storks, a pair of spoonbills, a pair of female gharials, and three pairs of green iguanas. After spending several months in quarantine to adjust to their new environment, these animals will finally be available for viewing by early December, adding fresh excitement for tourists.
Bengal Safari Park has also brought major good news for visitors ahead of the winter vacation season. Sources revealed that the lion safari, originally planned to start before this year’s Puja, had been delayed due to infrastructure shortcomings highlighted by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
“Issues regarding enclosures and other necessary structures had been flagged, but we have rectified all deficiencies as per CZA guidelines,” said a park official.
Following the improvements, the park has reapplied for approval to launch the lion safari, which is expected to begin early in the new year once the CZA gives the green signal. The attraction will feature the lion pair Suraj and Tanya, brought from Tripura’s Sipahijala Zoo in February 2024. The pair also welcomed three cubs this year, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming safari.
“With new animals ready for exhibition and the anticipated launch of the lion safari, Bengal Safari Park hopes to welcome even larger crowds in the coming months. Tourists visiting this winter can look forward to an enriched wildlife experience and the long-awaited opportunity to witness lions in a safari setting,” said the official.
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