Asiatic Lion Dies at Kanpur Zoo Amid Bird Flu Concerns; Authorities Launch Further Investigations
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Just two days after the Uttar Pradesh government ordered the temporary closure of multiple zoos due to the detection of bird flu in a deceased tigress, an Asiatic lion undergoing treatment has died at the Kanpur Zoological Park.
The development has raised further concerns over the health of zoo animals in the state.
The 15-year-old lion, which had been transferred from the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur to the Kanpur zoo on May 11, succumbed to illness early Thursday morning.
Officials stated that the lion had been under veterinary care for pancreatitis and liver infections, but did not confirm whether the cause of death was linked to avian influenza.
So far, the Kanpur zoo authorities have not released the test results from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), where biological samples from the lion had previously been sent for analysis.
Meanwhile, zoo director Shraddha Yadav confirmed that fresh samples from the lion’s carcass would now be forwarded to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for further investigation.
Bird Flu Triggers Statewide Caution
This incident comes on the heels of a confirmed case of avian influenza in a tigress that died earlier this month at the Gorakhpur zoo.
The diagnosis, verified by the NIHSAD, prompted the state government to implement immediate precautionary measures to prevent a potential outbreak.
Among the steps taken was a week-long closure of key zoological parks to visitors, including:
- Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park, Gorakhpur
- Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow
- Kanpur Zoological Park
- Etawah Lion Safari
These facilities are currently under heightened surveillance, with staff monitoring all animals for symptoms of illness or respiratory distress.
Central Team Deployed for Investigation
In response to the bird flu detection, the Central Zoo Authority has dispatched a five-member team of veterinary experts and pathologists to Uttar Pradesh.
The team will conduct an extensive health assessment of animals at the affected zoological parks, starting with the Gorakhpur zoo.
According to a government statement, the team comprises specialists from:
- The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy
- The Wildlife Health Management Division
- The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
- ICAR institutes in Bareilly and Bhopal
- Senior wildlife pathologists
Their primary objective is to determine the extent of the bird flu’s spread, identify potential risks to other animals, and recommend containment measures.
The team is expected to submit a detailed report within 15 days, based on which further action will be decided.
Government on Alert
With the death of another large feline amid ongoing bird flu concerns, the situation has prompted heightened alertness across all animal care facilities in the state.
While no direct link has yet been established between the lion’s death and avian influenza, authorities are treating the incident with caution.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reiterated its commitment to animal welfare and biosecurity, assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of both the animals and zoo staff.
