Forest dept's apathy towards injured lions irks Gujarat villagers

14/02/2018
Forest dept's apathy towards injured lions irks Gujarat villagers
The Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/forest-depts-apathy-towards-injured-lions-irks-gujarat-villagers/articleshow/62914662.cms

Villagers in Gujarat's Amreli district have expressed their dissent over apathy shown by the forest department towards an injured lion and a lioness.

The two injured creatures were spotted near Surajbadi dam of Savarkundala taluka. The villagers informed the forest department officials about their situation as the lioness was seen limping heavily while the lion had scratch marks on its foot. However, no action has been taken in this regard in the last 12 days.

Villagers fear that the lioness might succumb to its injuries if it doesn't get timely treatment.

The locals have captured the pictures and videos of the big predators.

Aatabhai Vagh of Nature Lion Foundation said "We spotted this lion couple in this situation 12-13 ago and informed the forest officers. But they did not provide them any treatment. This is the case of utter carelessness and it seems that lions are at the mercy of forest officials."

"I have no knowledge of this, I will inquire about it. The lion couple will be taken to hospital," deputy conservator of forest Gir (east) Dr T Karuppasamy said.

However, local policemen claimed that they too had informed the Karuppasamy and were told that the area does't fall under his jurisdiction.