Diu: The lion, which was seen roaming in Diu over a month ago, was captured on Friday after a joint effort by the local administration of Diu and the Gujarat forest department. The elusive lion was captured while it was drinking water.

The lion is believed to be 8-10 years old and was caught in the Bucharwada reserve forest area around 3 am. Later, it was transported to the Jasadhar animal care center.

Harshraj Wathore, the Deputy Conservator of Forests in Diu, said that the department had been tracking the lion’s whereabouts for the past 2-3 days. They had taken the help of the Gujarat forest department and positioned themselves near a pond with bait, as the lion used to come there frequently. Upon the lion’s arrival, veterinary doctors tranquilized it.

The lion was spotted around 2 weeks ago on the Nagoa-Vanakbara road but its tracks had vanished thereafter. However, paw prints were found again two days ago.

The team from the Gir East division of the Gujarat forest department collaborated with the Diu forest department in rescuing the lion. Over a dozen individuals from both the Diu and Gujarat forest departments participated in the rescue mission. Additionally, efforts are underway to capture a leopard spotted in the Diu district. DeshGujarat