Three lions suspected of attacking and killing an 11-year-old boy at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary have been caught and moved to Sakkarbaug Zoo for scientific evaluation, as per the Gujarat Forest Department. The victim, Mayur Chauhan, was fatally attacked near the 50th step on the Girnar staircase route. Following the incident, a comprehensive operation was launched involving forest officials, veterinarians, and wildlife trackers.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Akshay Joshi, provided an update on the rescue operation, confirming the successful capture of the group of lions involved in the attack. Sources initially reported the capture of one lion during the rescue, which regurgitated human body parts during a veterinary examination, indicating its role in the attack. Subsequent efforts led to the capture of the other lions believed to be part of the same group.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities have closed the Girnar staircase route to pilgrims temporarily. The captured lions will undergo thorough scientific and veterinary examinations at Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh to determine their involvement in the attack and evaluate their behavior before any further decisions are made.
Girnar Hill, a significant pilgrimage site in Gujarat, is situated within the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its Asiatic lion population. Gujarat is the only natural habitat for the endangered Asiatic lion, whose numbers have been increasing, leading to their presence in areas beyond traditional forests. While encounters between humans and lions have become more frequent, fatal attacks are rare, prompting the Forest Department to maintain readiness to address such incidents.
