Birsa Zoological Park Lion Shashank Dies: Post-Mortem Points to Cancer

The Birsa Zoological Park in Ranchi is saddened by the death of lion Shashank. The hybrid male lion, who was in his advanced years, died on Thursday after receiving treatment for health problems over the last month. The zoo’s medical officer, Dr. Omprakash Sahu, was in charge of his care, with assistance from specialists including Dr. Abhishek Kumar. A post-mortem examination, led by Dr. M.K. Gupta, Head of the Pathology Department at Ranchi Veterinary College, determined that cancer was the cause of death. Further analysis will be conducted on collected samples. Dr. Gupta noted that hybrid animals have lower immunity and are more vulnerable to infections. The average lifespan for hybrid animals is around 15 to 16 years. Shashank, who was about 15 years old, arrived at the zoo in 2014 from the Bannerghatta Zoo in Bengaluru. Zoo officials and staff were present during the post-mortem. The zoo previously lost a lioness, Priyanka, in May 2024 due to kidney failure. The park now has a male lion, Abhay, and a lioness, Shabari.