Gujarat: 8 Asiatic lion cubs dead,Govt launches emergency response

In Gujarat, eight Asiatic lion cubs have died in Gir National Park amid fears of a suspected Babesia virus outbreak, raising concerns among forest authorities and wildlife experts. Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia has assured that the situation in the Gir forest and its surrounding revenue areas is completely under control following the suspected deaths of eight lion cubs over the past week. Briefing the media in Gandhinagar on Friday, the minister stated that no new casualties have been reported in the last two days, and that the state government is taking prompt preventive measures to protect the Asiatic lions. Modhwadia noted that preliminary assessments suggest the deaths may have been caused by a disease called babesiosis, which is transmitted by ticks. To determine the exact cause, samples have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, and reports are expected within three to four days.

#Update

8 Asiatic lion cubs have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest amid a suspected virus scare. Forest Minister@arjunmodhwadia said the deaths are suspected to be linked to Babesia infection, while samples have been sent for testing.@NewIndianXpress@santwana99@jayanthjacob pic.twitter.com/pVxH6NwXCO

— Dilip Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) May 29, 2026

Officials suspect the deaths may be linked to the tick-borne infection, while several other lions showing symptoms have been isolated as the Forest Department works to prevent any possible spread of the disease. The Forest Department in Gujarat has undertaken lion vaccination and de-ticking activities in Gir as part of ongoing wildlife health and conservation efforts.

VIDEO | The Forest Department in Gujarat has undertaken lion vaccination and de-ticking activities in Gir as part of ongoing wildlife health and conservation efforts.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/cvYFtPBz2T

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 28, 2026

The Gujarat government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the mysterious deaths, turning the Gir forest into a high-alert wildlife health zone.  PCCF Bhavani Pati, who is personally camping in Gir to supervise the operation, said the department has activated all emergency systems and intensified monitoring at animal care centres. According to officials, a total of 22 lions have now been kept in isolation as a precautionary measure, underlining the seriousness of the suspected outbreak. Samples from affected lions have already been sent to laboratories and final report is awaited.

(State Correspondent)