Noida’s first deer park now has a Central Zoo Authority greenlight

Noida: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the city's first deer park, a project that will transform 30 acres at the Sector 91 Biodiversity Park into a sanctuary.
Officials said the Rs 40-crore project, which secured an approval from Noida Authority board in June last year, would include diverse deer species, some from faraway African countries. With the CZA clearance secured, the Authority will now prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to outline all components — from animal enclosures and visitor amenities to lighting, pathways, and conservation measures. A retired district forest officer will serve as a consultant to ensure the project meets national standards.

"Retired forest officers will bring with them years of hands-on experience in wildlife management. Their guidance will ensure the deer park complies with national conservation and zoo development standards," said Lokesh M, the Noida Authority CEO.
Once the project report is finalised, the Authority will look for a construction company through tenders. Work on the project, which will be developed in a single phase, is likely to start later this year.
The park — designed as a ‘mini zoo' under CZA norms — will house 132 deer from 10 different species. These will include native species such as spotted deer (chital), sambar, swamp deer, barking deer, hog deer, mouse deer, and blackbucks. Some of these species will be sourced from state zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Hyderabad. But the park will also feature African antelopes like springbok, impala, wildebeest, and lesser kudu transported from abroad.
These apart, the facility will serve as a sanctuary for deer rescued from Jewar villages around the site of the Noida International Airport. There are plans to relocate some animals from a wildlife rescue centre proposed near Dhanauri wetland.
For the visitors, there will be sunset safaris, allowing them to observe deer and aquatic birds till 10pm. The Authority plans to implement spectrum lighting in the safari zone — a system that will provide visibility for visitors but maintain darkness for animals.
"This technology aims at creating an immersive wildlife experience during twilight hours without disrupting the animals' natural behaviour," an official said.
Beyond recreation, the deer park will function as a conservation and education hub, offering guided tours, interpretive signage, workshops, and interactive exhibits to promote awareness about biodiversity and protection of habitats. The facility will also support scientific research on deer behaviour, ecology, and conservation strategies.
The plan, approved by the Authority board, will not just mimic native habitats for the deer, but also involve various amenities for visitors such as walkways, viewing zones, seating areas, food stalls, souvenir shops, toilets, and drinking water points. A veterinary care unit and quarantine zones will ensure proper care for the animals.
While 30% of the land will be earmarked for a green belt with natural vegetation, animal enclosures will occupy another 30%. A two-metre-high boundary wall will ensure security and minimise human-animal conflict. There will be an entry fee, with officials anticipating that the park will become a major attraction.
"The project will fill a critical gap. As of now, there is no wildlife park or deer sanctuary around Noida. This facility will involve conservation, education, and recreation all in one," the official added.