Gujarat CM reviews safety measures after 4 lion cubs die in Gir, 17 isolated

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level review meeting in Gandhinagar to assess the situation following the recent deaths of four Asiatic lion cubs in the Gir forest region.

Senior forest officials briefed the chief minister on the ongoing response and preventive action being taken to protect the big cat population.

According to official updates shared after the meeting, four lion cubs have died in separate incidents across different areas of the Gir ecosystem. In response, authorities have isolated and are providing intensive care to a total of 17 lions identified in the different areas.

Forest department teams have launched extensive monitoring operations, with special focus on lions within a 10-kilometre radius of Gir Gadhada and Babaria areas. Officials reported that no additional symptoms of disease have been observed in these animals so far.

The monitoring drive has been extended to cover all lions in the areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts. Teams are conducting regular health checks and maintaining close surveillance to detect any potential spread of infection or seasonal ailments at an early stage.

As part of proactive measures against diseases, the Forest department has carried out de-ticking operations on more than 350 lions across the Gir landscape. Additional health interventions, including necessary medical support and habitat management, are also under way.