New Delhi: A few days ago, residents of Junagadh city of Gujarat were taken aback when a pride of eight Asiatic lions walked on the streets of their city. Seeing eight of the ‘King of Jungle’ strolling carefree on a residential street, the inhabitants couldn’t believe their eyes.
Few of them captured the ‘walk’ and the footage went viral instantly.
Junagadh is located in close proximity to the Gir national park, which is home to over 500 Asiatic lions.
According to locals, a couple of lions wandering into the city once in a week was routine. However, this is the first time such a large group had paid a visit.
The area that the lions prowled around on Tuesday is residential which houses family homes, schools, and a hospital.
Dr Jalpan Rupapara, a wildlife conversation expert in Junagadh told media, "More of such incursions, especially in monsoon, can't be ruled out, considering that the lion population in Girnar is growing."
As per reports, between March and May this year, three persons were killed by lions in the same area besides a woman in the Gir Somnath district, known for its Asiatic lion population.
In another recent incident, a man was severely injured by three lions in Amreli, near Gir.
