An official says the entire perimeter of the safari zone is secured by both a boundary wall and chain-link mesh fencing.
| Photo Credit: File photo
A five-year-old lion named Sheryaar gave zookeepers at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) in Vandalur an unexpected challenge this week, when he failed to return from the safari area a few days ago to the night shelter, sparking rumours in the neighbourhood of a “missing” lion.
Sheryaar, one of about half-a-dozen lions in the zoo’s 50-acre lion safari zone, had been reportedly roaming within the zone, which is a fully fenced area designed to mimic natural habitat conditions.
Dismissing reports of the lion going “missing”, zoo officials said that it’s not unusual for lions to wander within the safari area for a short time.
However, Sheryaar’s extended absence has prompted a more focused effort to monitor and locate the animal. The incident led to temporary closure of the lion safari as a precautionary measure.
‘Lion is not missing’
Ritto Cyriac, Director, AAZP, stated that the lion did not go missing. “The area is completely compounded and fenced and there’s no way the animal could get out. The lion could be moving around inside.”
He noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past, the most recent being five years ago, and in such cases, the lion typically returns on its own, once it gets hungry.
Sheryaar was brought to Vandalur from Bannerghatta National Park in Karnataka as part of an animal exchange programme two years ago.
On October 4, a zoo staff member along with two other workers spotted Sheryaar deep within the safari zone. “He appeared normal, healthy, and calm,” Mr. Cyriac said. “But before we could approach, he ran back into the bushes.”
Fresh pugmarks spotted again on October 5 confirmed Sheryaar’s continued presence within the safari enclosure. A press release said that to ensure the safety and well-being of the lion within the lion safari zone, five dedicated teams have been formed. The entire perimeter of the safari zone is secured by both a boundary wall and chain-link mesh fencing, ensuring that the animal remains within the safari area, the release said.
High surveillance
The safari area is being monitored for the safety of the lion by the help of normal drones during day time and thermal imaging drones during night time. In addition to that, 10 camera traps have been installed for ensuring the movements of the lion to ensure his well-being.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Srinivas R. Reddy and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra inspected the safari.
Published – October 06, 2025 05:25 am IST
