Gir: It is a sorrowful day for wildlife enthusiasts and lion lovers across Gujarat, as the renowned lion duo “Jai and Veeru” has been separated forever with the passing of Veeru.

Veeru breathed his last early Wednesday morning at around 3:30 a.m. Both lions had sustained injuries during a territorial fight with other lions and were undergoing treatment. Despite the best efforts of veterinary experts and specialists, Veeru could not be saved. A team of doctors from Jamnagar’s Vantara had also camped in Gir for two days to assist in the treatment. While Jai’s condition is reported to be stable and improving, Veeru sadly succumbed to his injuries.

It is worth noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also witnessed the Jai-Veeru duo during his last visit to Gir, underscoring their significance. The pair was immensely popular among visitors and locals alike.

Expressing grief over Veeru’s death, Rajya Sabha MP and lion enthusiast Parimal Nathwani, in a post on X, said, “A famous pair of legendary lions Jay & Veeru is broken! Veeru breathed his last today early hours at 3.30 a.m. This is indeed a day of pain and sorrow for the lion lovers. Both Jay & Veeru were injured during the fight with lions of other pride and were undergoing treatment. Despite vigorous efforts of the team of veterinary doctors and specialists under the guidance of Dr. Mohan Ram, Veeru could not survive. Even expert doctors from Vantara, Jamnagar also spent last couple of days in Gir for their treatment. Fortunately Jay is stable, but Veeru, who’d lost appetite since last evening, died. Jay-Veeru’s was one of the largest pride with 12 cubs and 04 females. I was party to name the duo as Jay & Veeru. They were so famous that even our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi ji also watched them during his last visit to Gir. The Jay-Veeru pair is an ever-lasting name in Gir and the lion lovers will remember the pair forever. The foresters, trackers and passionate lion fans like Sagarbhai and plenty like him will cherish the memories of Veeru for days to come.” DeshGujarat

A famous pair of legendary lions Jay & Veeru is broken! Veeru breathed his last today early hours at 3.30 a.m. This is indeed a day of pain and sorrow for the lion lovers. Both Jay & Veeru were injured during the fight with lions of other pride and were undergoing treatment.… pic.twitter.com/vVaJGzJacO

— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) June 11, 2025