An adult male Asiatic lion named Bharat (L5), aged 4 years and 6 months, housed at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, had arrived from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, Gujarat, on 26 January 2025 as part of the approved animal exchange programme.
Following his arrival, after a few months in April 2025, the lion gradually started showing signs of an altered gait involving the hind quarters.
Due to the persistence of the abnormality, an X-ray examination was conducted under anaesthesia in May 2025 in the presence and guidance of senior members of the Technical Veterinary Committee. Following the examinations, radiographic findings revealed an old fracture near the ilio-sacral junction.
Furthermore, appropriate treatment and supportive management were initiated under the guidance of senior veterinary experts of the Technical Veterinary Committee, following which Bharat (L5) showed noticeable improvement and remained stable.
Asiatic lion infected with Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)
Subsequently, in March 2026, Bharat (L5) again showed signs of illness, including loss of appetite and dullness. Faecal samples were collected for viral screening, and laboratory investigation confirmed positivity for Feline Panleukopenia Virus infection. Despite continuous treatment and monitoring, complete improvement was not observed.
Therefore, Bharat (L5) was again sedated for detailed clinical examination and blood sample collection for further diagnostic evaluation. A meeting of the Technical Veterinary Committee was convened, and treatment was continued as per the recommendations of the committee members.
After the prescribed isolation period and intensive treatment, Bharat (L5) resumed feeding and appeared to recover clinically. However, towards the end of April 2026, swelling and prolapse of the nictitating membrane in the eye region were observed along with anorexia and some wounds on the right side of both limbs.
Lion’s health concerns turned into a serious systemic illness
Symptomatic treatment was immediately initiated. As the condition did not show satisfactory improvement, senior members of the Technical Veterinary Committee visited and reviewed the case. In addition, a renowned veterinary ophthalmology specialist from Mumbai was consulted, and sonography was also performed to assist in diagnosis.
Subsequent blood investigations indicated the possibility of serious systemic illness. Therefore, additional samples were collected and sent to multiple laboratories for confirmation and comparative evaluation. Findings suggested the possibility of blood parasitic infection and/or complications associated with the old hindquarter injury, including possible trauma during routine movement.
Bharat is now under continuous observation
At present, Bharat (L5) is showing signs of hind limb paresis, and swelling of the nictitating membrane persists. He is under continuous observation, supportive care, and treatment by the veterinarians of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in consultation with senior members of the Technical Veterinary Committee and specialist veterinarians from Mumbai.
The health status of Bharat (L5) is being closely monitored, and all necessary diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive measures are being undertaken to ensure the best possible veterinary care and recovery for the animal.