Kolkata: A four-and-a-half-year-old lioness died at Alipore zoo on Monday morning, with sources claiming that she was pregnant. The lioness was brought to the zoo from Nandankanan in Odisha around two years ago as part of a breeding programme. She had developed an infection in one of her legs and was undergoing treatment, sources said.The lioness’s condition deteriorated on Sunday, following which she was shifted by ambulance to the animal hospital across the road from the zoo. She died there on Monday morning. Her body was sent for post-mortem before being taken to Garchumuk in Howrah for cremation.Zoo authorities said the cause of death would be known after the post-mortem report is received.Sources said the lioness had developed an infection in her leg, with hair and skin reportedly coming off from the affected area. Treatment was being provided while she remained in her enclosure. The claim that she was pregnant has not been officially confirmed by the zoo.The death has raised concerns among animal lovers over the veterinary care provided to the relatively young lioness. They alleged that an early diagnosis and treatment in consultation with specialists could possibly have helped prevent the death. The allegations have not been independently established.With the latest death, the zoo now has four lions — one male and three females. The male lion is also reportedly showing signs of distress after losing its mate and has reduced its food intake, sources said.On Tuesday, Congress supporters held a demonstration and submitted a memorandum demanding an independent enquiry into the death of the animal.
