For a long period of about eight decades from 1867 to 1947, administration of Nawabs of Junagadh represented by the Zoological Superintendent used to manage the Sakkarbaug Zoo. After independence and merger of the Junagadh State with the Indian Union, this Zoo was managed by the Zoo Superintendent, under the supervision of the Education Department and subsequently under the supervision of the District Forest Officer, Junagadh under the Greater Bombay State. Since the time of reorganization of the present day Gujarat State in the year 1960, the Gujarat Forest Department has been Managing this zoo.

During the year 1945-46, total animal collection of this Zoo was 144 including 9 Asiatic lions, 6 African lions, 4 Tigers, 1 Leopard, 1 African Cheetah, Rattle, Otter, etc. During the year 1960-61, the animal collection of this Zoo had increased to 127 mammals, 2 crocodiles, 29 fish, and 45 birds. Mammals included 15 Asiatic Lions, 2 African Lions, 2 tigers, 4 leopards, etc. From such a beginning, the Zoo has now gained the status of a Major Zoo with total animal collection of more than 850 animals with additional responsibility of providing services for plan breeding of endangered wild animal species, wildlife health care for the Gir Sanctuary and National Park, Zoo interpretation and nature education.