Lioness dies of old age at safari park in Gir

A lioness kept in Devalia Safari Park in Junagadh district of Gujarat died on Tuesday due to age-related problems, forest officials said.

The lioness named 'Bandi' died a natural death as she was around 17 years old, said chief conservator of forests, Junagadh wildlife circle, D T Vasavada.

"The lioness died due to old age and weakness. Her post-mortem and last rites will be performed as per the laid down procedures. The lioness was among the 10 big cats kept in the safari park," Vasavada told PTI.

This safari park for tourists is situated close to the Gir National Park in Sasan at Junagadh.

Unlike the nearby Gir National Park, this Safari Park, spread over 412 hectares, is a closed facility secured by chain link fencing.

Last month, a lion kept in the safari park had killed a labourer, who was hired by the forest department.

Lions are kept in cages and released in the park forest twice during the day for the viewing of tourists, who travel in buses and jeeps provided by the park authorities.

As many as 31 lions, including cubs, died in and around Gir forest since September, mostly due to infighting, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Protozoa infection.