Lion Shashank Dies at Birsa Zoo in Ranchi; Post-Mortem Reveals Cancer

Tragedy has struck the Birsa Zoological Park in Ranchi as the lion Shashank has passed away. The aging hybrid lion, who had been receiving treatment for various age-related health issues, succumbed on Thursday. Dr. Omprakash Sahu, the medical officer at the zoo, was overseeing Shashank’s care, with additional support from specialists like Dr. Abhishek Kumar of Ranchi Veterinary College. A post-mortem was carried out by Dr. M.K. Gupta, head of the Pathology Department at the Ranchi Veterinary College, which revealed signs of cancer in the lion’s body. Samples were collected for detailed analysis. Dr. Gupta highlighted the vulnerability of hybrid animals, noting their reduced immunity and increased risk of infection. The average lifespan of such animals is around 15-16 years. Shashank, who was approximately 15 years old, arrived at the zoo in 2014 from the Bannerghatta Zoo in Bengaluru. The zoo staff, along with officials, were present during the post-mortem. The zoo previously lost a lioness, Priyanka, in May 2024 due to kidney failure. The zoo’s remaining big cats now include a male lion named Abhay and a lioness named Shabari.