A rare breed white lioness named Morni has died suddenly at Sherbagh Zoo in Bahawalpur, with experts suspecting heatstroke-induced cardiac arrest as a possible cause.
According to zoo official, Morni was in good health and appeared normal until around 11 am, before she suddenly collapsed and died. A veterinarian examined the tigress and confirmed her death.
The zoo administration is expected to follow standard procedures, including a postmortem examination, to determine the exact cause of death.
Media reports indicated that a veterinarian at the zoo examined the tigress and confirmed her death. Following a postmortem examination, Morni was buried within the zoo premises.
Experts have raised concerns about possible inadequate arrangements in the zoo’s animal enclosures, particularly in light of the incident. Following Morni’s death, the total number of lions at the zoo has decreased to 18.
According to the administration, the tigress was healthy, and an inquiry has been launched into the circumstances surrounding her death. The seven-year-old tigress had been brought to Sherbagh from Lahore three years ago.
It is worth mentioning here that last month a tigress had given birth to three cubs at Sher Bagh Zoo, bringing the total number of cubs at the zoo to 19.
According to zoo official, a tigress named ‘Samson’ has delivered three healthy cubs. The mother and her newborn cubs have been placed in an intensive care unit for special care and monitoring.
Officials said the tigress is being provided with a special diet of minced meat, while the cubs are feeding on their mother’s milk. The health and development of the animals are being closely monitored.
The zoo administration added that another tigress gave birth to two cubs at Sher Bagh about two and a half months ago, and the recent births have further increased the number of cubs at the facility. The administration said special arrangements have been made for the care of the newborn cubs, while wildlife experts are continuously monitoring their condition.
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