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Two lions in zoo die

Staff Reporter

Viral disease suspected to be the cause of death

BHUBANESWAR: Two juvenile lions have died due to suspected viral infections in Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) taking the total number of mammals' death to nine since beginning of April this year.

"The two lions died on Wednesday. We have sent samples to Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory for confirmation of reason behind the death," NZP Director Ajit Patnaik said here on Thursday.

He dismissed the reports that these lions died due to heat wave.

"The lions can easily cope up with 50 degree Celsius temperature. Even in comparatively higher temperature setting in Gir Lion Sanctuary, these felines do not face any problem," Mr. Patnaik said.

It was suspected that the juvenile lions succumbed to Feline Viral Disease even though they were reportedly covered under vaccine. About a decade ago, two to three lions died under similar circumstances.

The zoo authorities have kept their fingers crossed in apprehension of spread of disease.

After the two deaths, the population of lions in NZP has come down to 26 and most of these animals were approaching old age. Meanwhile, zoo veterinarians have stepped up monitoring the health of the rest of the lions to prevent further casualty.

Official clarifies

After allegations of spate of deaths of zoo inmates, Mr. Patnaik clarified: "there were 18 deaths of animals and birds during the period from April 1 to May 25 this year. Out of which nine were mammals (of which seven are schedule II and IV species), eight ornamental birds and one reptile." On May 22, one tigress killed a stray common langur, which had sneaked into her enclosure.

In the process, the tigress sustained minor injuries and was treated immediately, the zoo authorities said.

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