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India's Oldest Lioness, Heera, Retires at 24
2 Nov
Summary
- Heera, the lioness, is possibly India's oldest living lion at 24.
- Rescued from a circus, she now resides at Chennai's Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
- The rescue center rehabilitates animals previously used in circuses.
At 24 years old, Heera, a lioness rescued from a traveling circus in her infancy, is believed to be India's oldest living lion. Her current age is equivalent to a centenarian human. She has now retired and is housed at Chennai's Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Heera was brought to the zoo along with two other lions. The zoo does not have records of her birthplace. She receives specialized veterinary care and a meticulously monitored diet at the rescue center.
The rescue center in Vandalur, established in 2000, has been instrumental in rehabilitating numerous animals rescued from circuses. This initiative began after a national ban in 1998 on the exhibition of wild animals in circuses.
Between 2000 and 2005, the zoo received a significant number of lions, tigers, leopards, and bears from circuses nationwide. The center aims to restore the health of these animals through dedicated veterinary interventions, proper nutrition, and spacious enclosures.
