World Lion Day: On this World Lion Day (August 10), the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam hopes its two Asiatic lions will soon increase their numbers. The zoo’s Asiatic lion pair, Kumari, a 4.5-year-old female also called Maheswari, and Patwad, a 12-year-old male, have reached breeding readiness and show signs of preparing to mate and produce cubs. IGZP introduced Patwad in 2019 and Kumari in 2023, and both have adapted to each other remarkably well, says zoo curator G. Mangamma.

She observes Patwad and Kumari spending time together, relaxing in the shade, and exchanging playful prods. Lions generally attain reproductive maturity between the ages of three and four. “We remain optimistic about cubs soon because Patwad and Kumari are at breeding age and coexisting peacefully, a crucial step in ensuring the survival of the species,” Mangamma explains.

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Asiatic lions face a grave risk of extinction. They remain somewhat smaller than their African counterparts, with males displaying a less noticeable mane and a characteristic fold of skin along their abdomen. These lions largely inhabit Gujarat’s Gir Forest, while some live in zoological parks like Visakhapatnam, where staff run specialized conservation breeding programs.

“We feel confident the lions will breed because we provide them with proper nutritional care,” Mangamma explains. Each morning, keepers serve the two Asiatic lions about 1.5 kg of prepared chicken, half a liter of milk, and raw eggs. In the evening, they feed them 6 to 8 kg of liver-enriched beef. Before serving, the veterinarian thoroughly inspects the feed to ensure it meets all safety and nutritional standards. Vizag Zoo also runs an animal adoption program, encouraging wildlife lovers to adopt animals of their choice from the zoo.

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