Rescued lion dies at Bannerghatta park

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, SEPT. 22. A lion kept at the Rescue Centre in the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) near here died on Saturday morning. It was rescued from the Golden Circus in Uttar Pradesh and brought to the centre on July 7.

The cause of death is attributed to kidney failure and non- functioning of lungs and the disease is known as ``anthracocis''. The Conservator of Forests and Director, BNP, Mr. G. Vidyasagar told The Hindu that the 20-year-old lion died around 5.30 a.m. The postmortem was conducted by doctors at the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal.

Mr. Vidyasagar said the life-span of a lion in the wild was around 14 years and in captivity around 16 years. Lions in captivity developed anthrococis over the years on account of deposition of carbon particles on the lungs. He said as captive lions were kept in urban areas, the high level of pollution caused the disease.

The particular lion, which was rescued from the circus company in Uttar Pradesh, was kept in a small cage and was constantly on the move with the circus. Its stay in urban areas and constant travelling could have exposed it to air pollution, Mr. Vidyasagar added.

There are 62 lions, four tigers and three bears at the BNP Rescue Centre, which is functioning since May this year in an area of approximately 45 acres. This is the second lion rescued from circus companies, which died at the centre. The Central Zoo Authority gives the funds for the centre.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Global economic slowdown, terrorist attacks may
           hit NGOs
Next     : Rain causes deluge of problems in many areas