Date:28/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/28/stories/2004032803900500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Lion dies in Tirupati zoo

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUPATI, MARCH 27. A male lion housed in the Sri Venkateswara zoological park here died on Saturday morning. The death was said to be due to ageing and protracted illness.

The 20-year old feline was part of the contingent of four lions and four tigers that reached Tirupati from the Nandankanan zoo in Gujarat five years ago, when the Government slapped a ban on exhibition of animals in circuses. Since then, it was staying in the zoo's animal rescue centre, tucked deep in the zoo premises away from public interference. According to the Assistant Curator, Lakshmipathi, the aged big cat was not taking food properly of late and the situation worsened during the last couple of days. Due to physical weakness and prolonged starvation, the lion had a natural death, he said, adding that the normal life period of lions was only 20 years.

The veterinary doctor, who inspected the carcass, while confirming that there was no suspicion over the lion's death, added that a post-mortem would be performed.