Lok Sabha Question No. 2700 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-10
Subject: Death of Lions
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: (SMT.) RATNA DE(NAG)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2700

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.05.2016

## Death of Lions

2700.   DR. RATNA DE (NAG):

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS  AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  of  the  recent  deaths  of  lions  due  to  viral infection in Etawah Safari park;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether any study has been conducted/proposed to be conducted in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to check the spread of the said infection?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a) As  per  information  received  from  the  Central  Zoo  Authority,  the  lioness 'Lakshmi' and the lion 'Vishnu' of Lion Safari and Conservation Breeding Centre, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh died on 30 th October, 2014 and 6 th November, 2014  respectively  due  to  Canine  Distemper,  a  viral  disease.   The  lioness 'Tapasya' died on  9 th January, 2016 due to Bebesiosis, a protozoan infection. Besides above, 5 lion cubs also died at Lion Safari and Conservation Breeding Centre, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh of which, 2 cubs died due to still birth (born dead) and other 3 due to Septicaemia/ Pneumonia.
- (b)&(c) The Central Zoo Authority constituted an expert committee to look into the causes  of  death  and  consequent  remedial  measures  required  in  the  matter consisting  of  representative  from  Indian  Veterinary  Research  Institute, Bareilly; Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun; Field Director of Lion Safari at M.C. Zoological park, Chattbir and the Deputy Inspector General of the Central Zoo Authority. After examining the records, facilities and infrastructure available for upkeep and health care of the wild animals kept in captivity, the Committee found that the proper treatment in consultation

with the National Referral Centre of Wildlife Health at IVRI, Bareilly was carried out. The infrastructure and facilities available were also found to be satisfactory.

- (d) The Central Zoo Authority has stipulated standards/norms under Recognition of Zoo (Amendment) Rules, 2013 with reference to protection of  animals  which include timely supply of quality food and water, regular screening for parasitic loads, upkeep  and  healthcare of zoo animals, screening  against  zoonotic  diseases  by  the  veterinary  officer  of  the  zoo. Further, the Central Zoo  Authority designated the Indian Veterinary Research Institute  (IVRI),  Bareilly  as  National  Referral  Centre  for  disease diagnosis and care of wild animals.

With  the grants provided by the Central Zoo  Authority, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly has prepared a manual titled 'Standards, Guidelines and Protocol of Disease Diagnosis and Cure of Wild Animals in Indian Zoos'. A copy of this manual has been provided to zoos in the country and it has been uploaded on the website of the Central Zoo Authority for ready reference by the zoo management personnel all over the country.  The  Central  Zoo  Authority  has  also  circulated  a  guideline  on 18.11.2004 to Chief Wild Life Wardens of all the States/UTs and Directors/ Curators/  Zoo  incharge  of  all  zoos  in  the  country  on  suggested  health monitoring protocols for zoos. It has also been uploaded on the website of the Central Zoo Authority.

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