Park Fatalities: Asiatic Lion Dies At Nahargarh Biological Park | Jaipur News
Reports indicate that the lion had been sick for several days, and was not eating or drinking. Earlier this year in February, GS was moved from Jodhpur’s Machiya Biological Park to be paired with a lioness named Tara. Hopes for an increased lion population at the park were dashed.
A forest official said, “Samples have been sent to Bareilly for tests, and more information will be available after the post-mortem report. A few days ago, samples of GS’s blood, urine, and waste were tested, revealing an infection in the liver and kidneys. Concerns about kidney failure have been raised.”
Sources suggest the cause of death could be an infection called leptospirosis, mainly affecting an animal’s liver and kidneys. Negligence by the department in rodent management could be responsible. The park’s big cats and other animals face threats from field rats and mongooses, transmitting potentially fatal diseases to them.
“The primary source of leptospirosis infection is rat urine, and infected animals can further spread it. Mongoose urine could also be a source. Rat and mongoose populations need strict control within the zoo premises,” a source said.
Sources said as the biological park is located in a sanctuary area, rats and mongooses often enter cages and consume the food meant for wild animals. “Effective measures are required to control their numbers. Enclosures must be fully sealed. If not addressed in time, this can harm the kidneys and organs of other big cats in the park.” The position of assistant conservator of forests (ACF) at Nahargarh Biological Park remains vacant, said sources.
