A pall of gloom has descended once again over Alipore Zoological Gardens following the untimely death of a young lioness, with the exact cause of death yet to be ascertained.

The four-and-a-half-year-old lioness died on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at a veterinary hospital located opposite the zoo. According to sources, the animal was pregnant at the time of her death, adding to the gravity of the loss.

Zoo officials said the lioness had been suffering from a leg infection for some time, during which the affected area showed signs of severe deterioration, including sloughing of skin and fur. She had been under treatment within her enclosure.

However, as her condition worsened on Sunday, she was shifted in an ambulance to the veterinary hospital across the road. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the animal could not be saved.

Post-mortem conducted, cause still unclear

Following a post-mortem examination, the carcass was cremated at Garchumuk in Howrah on Monday. Zoo authorities stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the post-mortem report is received. Officials have so far refrained from making any formal statement.

The sudden death has raised concerns regarding the zoo’s veterinary care system. Experts suggest that earlier detection and timely intervention might have improved the chances of survival.

Setback to breeding programme

The incident has also dealt a significant blow to Alipore Zoo’s long-standing efforts to breed lions. A pair brought from Hyderabad Zoo—Shruti and Vishwas—had produced three cubs in 2019, but no successful breeding has occurred since then.

In August 2024, a new pair was brought from Nandankanan Zoo in Odisha, raising fresh hopes. However, the male lion, Vishwas, died in July this year due to age-related ailments. With the death of the newly introduced lioness, the breeding programme faces fresh uncertainty.

Declining lion population

The lion population at the zoo has now dropped to four—one male and three females. The surviving lionesses include Shruti and her two daughters, all of whom are considered too old for breeding. This has significantly reduced the possibility of sustaining the population internally, making future breeding plans dependent on acquiring new animals.

Meanwhile, zoo sources indicated that the lone male lion has become listless following the loss of his mate and has shown a reduced appetite. Animal lovers and officials are now awaiting the post-mortem findings, which are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the lioness’s death.

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