Image for the purpose of representation only.
| Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
Two lion cubs have died in Gujarat’s Gir National Park region due to a suspected Babesia infection, while three other Asiatic lions died in separate incidents linked to natural causes and territorial infighting, according to the State Forest Department.
Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) that the deaths were isolated cases and there was no indication of any widespread disease outbreak in the Gir landscape, the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
Addressing concerns over reports of a possible viral spread, the Minister clarified that only two deaths had been linked to suspected Babesia infection, while the remaining fatalities were due to other causes, including inter-lion conflict.
