Lion dies in Nandankanan Zoo

-- Five lions, six lionesses left

BARANG: A 22-year-old lion died due to prolonged illness at the Nandankanan Zoological Park here on Wednesday morning. The lion was under treatment for the last few months, Zoo officials sources said.

The lion was not taking food due to illness. At present eight lions and lionesses are under treatment at safari feeding chamber, while only one lion and two lionesses are available in the enclosure-29 in the Zoo. After the death of the lion, only five lions and six lionesses are now left in the zoo, the officials said.

During the last five years, at least seven lions, both males and females, have died in the zoo. Last death was occurred on May 21 this year at the Zoo. These lion are not expected to live long as most of them are old, sources said.

It may note that five tiger cubs were died in the zoo on November 18, which created much hue and cry in the State for the security of the zoo. After that incident a CCTV camera was installed in the 32 enclosure of the tigress Sara to keep close watch of the newborns.