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Health of Mumbai's oldest lion a cause of concern for Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Ravindra, whose age is estimated to be around 15 years, is one of the only three lions at SGNP.

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Mumbai's oldest captive lion at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is in serious condition after undergoing treatment for hematoma and abcess on the left foreleg. Ravindra, whose age is estimated to be around 15 years, is one of the only three lions at SGNP.

Officials from the park informed that on Monday they saw that there was some problem in its left foreleg. There was a four- inch deep infected track in the foreleg.

Veterinary officer of the park Dr Shailesh Pethe said that since it was clear that pus has set in, a surgery was performed with the help of team of veterinarians on the panel of SGNP, including Dr Manish Pingle and Dr Chandrakant Wakankar.

"Ravindra had to be tranquilised and the pus was drained out. A lot of blood was lost during the surgery that has left him weak and anaemic. Experts from Bombay Veterinary College have been called for further opinion," said Pethe, adding that what has them worried is the impact of blood loss. Considering the lion's age, it would take some time for its body to reproduce the lost blood.

Sources in the park said that this could have resulted due to an injury that must have happened in the cage or outside. The injury was not noticed due to its location, and it got severely infected. Only when Ravindra began limping, it was noticed.

Meanwhile, senior officials from the park said that while the lion is in a critical condition, extreme care is being taken for his well-being. "This is a 50:50 situation, and since we have a dedicated team of experts, we are sure Ravindra will be in pink of health very soon," said a senior SGNP official.

It was in 2009 that Ravindra was brought to SGNP along with lioness Shobha from Benerghatta National Park. Shobha died due to prolonged illness in 2014. The park currently has only three lions — Ravindra (15) and seven-year-olds Jespa and Gopa..

IN BAD SHAPE

  • The captive lion has undergone treatment for hematoma and abcess on the left foreleg. 
     
  • Estimated to be around 15 years, Ravindra is one of the only 3 lions at SGNP. 
     
  • Officials from the park informed that on Monday they saw that there was some problem in its left foreleg 
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