Visakhapatnam, India: In a somber announcement, officials at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam (Vizag Zoo) reported the passing of an 18-year-old lioness, Maheswari, who succumbed to a heart attack brought on by old age.

Maheswari, the lioness in question, breathed her last late on Saturday night, leaving the zoo community and animal lovers in mourning.

The cause of her demise was identified as a severe myocardial infarction (heart attack), attributed to the natural process of senility associated with old age. Vizag Zoo's curator, Nandani Salaria, conveyed this information in a press release.

Maheswari's journey began in 2006 when she was born and later transferred to Vizag Zoo in 2019 from Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoo.

During her time at the zoo, she played a pivotal role in contributing to the cause of wildlife conservation and served as an educational ambassador for Asiatic lions, enlightening millions of visitors about these magnificent creatures.

According to Salaria, lions typically have a lifespan of around 16 to 18 years in the wild, making Maheswari's nearly 19-year-long life a testament to her resilience.

The loss of Maheswari marks a poignant moment for the Vizag Zoo and its dedicated staff, as they bid farewell to a beloved member of their animal family.

Her legacy as an emblem of the importance of wildlife conservation and education will endure, serving as a reminder of the significance of preserving and protecting our planet's majestic creatures.

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