Patna: Rajgir Zoo Safari will celebrate World Lion Day on Monday highlighting a major conservation achievement — four consecutive Asiatic lion breeding events between Aug 2024 and Jan 2026, making it one of the country’s emerging centres for conservation breeding of the species.The safari currently houses four adult Asiatic lions and six cubs. As part of the celebrations, 15 schoolchildren from Rajgir will be taken on a special tour of the wildlife hospital, night shelters and animal care facilities to learn about lion conservation and captive wildlife management.The breeding success began with the birth of Asiatic lion cubs in August 2024, followed by three more successful breeding events in November 2024, January 2025 and January 2026.Rajgir Zoo Safari director Ram Sundar said the institution follows a scientific breeding programme to maintain genetic diversity. “We exchange lions with other zoos to prevent inbreeding and maintain a healthy bloodline,” he said, adding that a male cub is proposed to be exchanged with Etawah Safari Park in Uttar Pradesh in the future.According to officials, pregnant lionesses are shifted to separate enclosures for close monitoring. In one instance, two cubs had to be hand-reared in a neonatal intensive care unit after their mother was unable to nurse them.The veterinary team conducts daily health checks, monitoring the lions’ behaviour, movement and overall condition. The animals are housed in a 20-hectare fenced enclosure and are fed red meat as part of their diet.Officials said lion cubs are gradually introduced to safari vehicles and visitors to help them adapt to their surroundings without stress.The safari management said the consecutive breeding successes reflect its growing role in wildlife conservation, research and the preservation of genetic diversity, alongside its function as a tourist attraction.
