Nahan, Himachal Pradesh

With the death of “Nishu”, the last lion in Renukaji Lion Safari, the trail which has been popular down the decades in Sirmaur district will now wear a deserted look.

Chief wildlife warden of Himachal Pradesh J S Walia confirmed the lion’s death, the last of the 35-member Asiatic lion’s family in the Renuka Lion Safari.

He said that ailing Nishu, born in 2000 was being treated for age-related ailments for quite some time.

A pair of Asiatic lions was brought to Renuka Ji in 1978 from Trichur and their population rose to 35 in some years.

When scientists noticed hereditary diseases among the lions caused due to long inbreeding within one family, the Zoo Authority of India had put a ban on inbreeding of lions some ten years ago.

One lioness was shifted to Chatbeer zoo while two others were sent to Gopal Pur zoo. The remaining male lions were sterilised.

There was a pair of Asiatic lions in the Renuka Lion Safari till March 4 last when lioness “Mamta” breathed her last.

Thereafter, lone “Nishu” could not recover from age- related ailments despite efforts of veterinary doctor incharge Sandeep Ratan, who was specially deputed to take care of the remaining pairs of Asiatic lions.

The family of Asiatic lions was a major attraction for tourists at Renuka Ji for the past 37 years and a numerous people had been the safari.

PTI

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