Shankar, which was received from Sakkarbaugh Zoo, Junagadh, on March 6, 2011, was found dull and it had stopped consuming food since April 30. Following experts’ opinion, it was taken into the squeeze cage and necessary treatment were started on May 2, according to a press note from S Venkatesan, Executive Director of Mysuru Zoo.

As the lion failed to respond to the treatment, the zoo authorities were in contact with the Hyderabad Zoo Lion Safari and Shivamogga Lion Safari veterinarians. Professor C Ansar Kamran from Veterinary College, Hassan, was called for expert opinion on May 7. Later, blood examination revealed that the animal was suffering from liver and kidney problem. The treatment was being carried out under the guidance of Dr Ansar Kamran. However, all efforts and treatment to save Shankar went in vain.