HimVani
Dharamsala (Dec 8): Acting on the direction of Central Zoo Authority of India, Himachal Pradesh government has shifted five lions from the Renuka Lion Safari in Sirmaur district.
While responding to a query raised by Dr Prem Singh (Renuka-Cong), the Chief Minister said in a written reply that the lions were shifted to ease out congestion and to improve living conditions for them. He said that the Central Zoo Authority of India had sent a letter to concerned state authority on April 14, 2010 directing to shift the five lions, including one male and four female.
Acting upon the directions, the state government shifted a pair of lions (male and female) to Dhauladhar Nature Park, Gopalpur, in Kangra district on April 26, 2008 and two lionesses were shifted to the same park on April 26, 2010. A lone female was shifted to MCZP Chhatbir (Punjab) on July 23, 2010 on the directions of CZA, Dhumal informed.
According official of Renuka Loin Renuka Lion Safari, out of 28 lions kept here after inception of the safari in 1984, as many as 20 have died at different time and reasons.
Official told that most of the lions were dying due to failing immunity to various diseases as they belong to a common ancestry or lineage. They admitted that some died due to feeding of contaminated meat. Currently the safari houses three lions.