62 Asiatic Lions, Lionesses and Cubs Died of Diseases in Gujarat in One Year: Govt

Gandhinagar: As many as 62 Asiatic lions, lionesses and cubs died from various diseases in Gujarat in the year ending July 31, 2026, the state government told the Gujarat Assembly on Friday.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the deaths included 17 lions, 17 lionesses and 28 cubs. The causes, based on post-mortem reports, included septicaemia, pneumonia, anaemia, kidney failure, multi-organ failure, myocardial infarction, paralysis, gastroenteritis and other illnesses.

The minister said the Forest Department has stepped up disease prevention measures, including deworming and tick removal of lions, vaccination of livestock in and around lion habitats, and regular blood testing.

The state has also deployed a dedicated ‘lion ambulance’, wildlife rescue and rapid action teams, and ‘wildlife friends’ to monitor lion movements and health.

Treatment centres are operational at Sasan, Jamwala, Jasadhar, Junagadh, Sakkarbaug Zoo and other locations.

According to the 2025 lion census, Gujarat has 891 Asiatic lions. DeshGujarat