Gujarat: When will 33 captive lions be set free?

Almost five months after they were first captured as a precautionary measure, questions are being raised about the 'continuous' captivity of 33 lions. The lions had been isolated from the Dalkhaniya range after an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) ended up claiming the lives of over 23 wild cats in Gir East.

Lion lovers in the state say this is perhaps the only example of perfectly healthy lions being put in captivity.

Abhisst Thaker, a lawyer said that it has been several months since the lions were captured. "They were captured as a precaution, were vaccinated. But there are no movements as far as their release into the wild is concerned," said Thaker.

He said perfectly fine wild animals are being kept in captivity because the forest department is yet to take a decision on their release.

"Of the 33 lions, several are cubs and it is important for them to be in the wild if they are to learn the ways of the wild. Keeping them in captivity will affect them," said Thaker.

Thaker was also the counsel for a petitioner who had filed a PIL challenging the presence of windmills in Savarkundla as it would affect the lions. The forest department on its part reiterated that a decision will be taken and it will be done in the best interest of the animal.

Akshay Saxena, PCCF, Wildlife said that a decision on the lions will be taken on the basis of several reports including technical, management and even blood samples. "Wildlife management decisions cannot be based on sentiments. We will decide on the issue on the basis of what is in the best interest of lion and as per the rules," said Saxena.

Another activist who has closely worked in Gir Sanctuary and around lions said that prima facie it seems the forest department is worried about the consequence of releasing the lions.

"They are concerned about the what if? Somehow they are also worried if the lions would be able to 'adjust' in the wild again," said the activist. He said in 2016 too the department had captured a pride in Ambardi after it turned maneater but had released all other members except the two male lions responsible for the attack on humans, "they too had been held in captivity for sometime and later released so why can't these lions be released," said the activist.

He said this is perhaps the first instance of perfectly healthy lions born and bred in the wild being captured and held in captivity for long because a decision is stuck at the department level.

WHY THE LIONS ARE IN CAPTIVITY

After the outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus in Dalkhaniya range ended up killing 23 lions, the forest department as a precaution also rounded up the rest of the 33 lions in the range as a precautionary measure to check them for signs of infection. The lions were caged in a cramped facility before being moved to better facilities following an uproar. The lions continue to be in captivity.