Viral Video Shows Men Chasing Lion on Bikes at Amreli Safari Park; Forest Officials Reveal Why

A viral social media video showing men riding motorcycles closely behind a lion at Ambardi Safari Park in Dhari, Amreli district, during the Diwali holiday rush has prompted an official clarification from Gujarat forest authorities.

At first glance, the widely circulated clip appears to show individuals harassing a wild Asiatic lion inside the safari zone. However, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for Dhari-Gir East clarified that the riders seen in the footage were neither poachers nor reckless tourists, but forest department trackers attempting to prevent a territorial conflict.

High-Stakes Rescue to Avert Territorial Infighting

According to preliminary details surrounding the incident, the lion—identified as Simba—had inadvertently strayed out of his designated zone and entered the territory of another lion.

To prevent a bloody territorial battle between the two big cats, forest department personnel risked their lives by using motorcycles to intercept Simba and safely guide him back toward his own habitat. Officials noted that the risky manoeuvre was carried out solely to protect the animal from fatal infighting.

Forest Department Issues Clarification and Show-Cause Notice

Addressing the online outrage, the Dhari-Gir East forest officer explained the sequence of events that led to the incident during the peak festive season.

"A video is going viral on social media in which some people are seen riding bikes alongside a lion. However, the reality is that during this Diwali season, Ambardi Safari Park is witnessing heavy tourist crowds," the official stated. "Because of the rush, when safari hours end in the evening, lions normally head back toward their resting enclosures. Yesterday, instead of moving toward its habitat, the lion strayed in the opposite direction, so the staff intercepted it and guided it back toward its territory."

The officer confirmed that the lion was neither teased nor harassed during the operation. Despite clarifying the staff's intent to safeguard the animal, the forest department has issued a show-cause notice to the personnel involved, seeking a formal explanation as part of a deeper inquiry into the protocol followed.