24-Year-Old Asiatic Lioness Bigo Dies at Vizag Zoo
Lioness Bigo had exceeded the normal life expectancy, reflecting the standard of care provided at the zoo park
Visakhapatnam: An Asiatic lioness named Bigo, who had far exceeded her species’ normal lifespan, died of natural causes at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park.
The lioness, approximately 24-year-old, was housed at the park's Animal Rescue Centre and succumbed to senility, according to curator G. Mangamma.
"In captivity, lions often live up to 20 years due to a consistent and adequate food supply, regular veterinary care and protected living conditions. Lioness Bigo had exceeded the normal life expectancy, reflecting the standard of care provided at the zoo park," Mangamma said.
The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and receives the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
