16-year-old lion dies in Gwalior zoo

Bhopal: A 16-year-old lion of Gwalior zoo named Jai died on Saturday after being ill for a month. Jai had stopped eating and drinking completely for the last three days before his demise. The zoo authorities and staff are deeply saddened by Jai’s death. The last rites of the lion were performed inside the zoo premises amid the presence of forest department officials.Jai was brought to Gwalior zoo from Raipur zoo in 2012 and had fathered six cubs in his 10-year stay at the zoo. Last year, he had also become father of three cubs. Speaking on Jai's illness, zoo in-charge Dr Upendra Yadav told media that the lion had been suffering from kidney and lung disease for a long time, which had taken a toll on his health. Despite their best efforts, Jai could not be saved, he said. The loss of Jai has come as a shock for- zoo staff and visitors alike.