A wildlife rescue operation in Punjab turned dangerous when one of two pet lions being confiscated from Jalvi Darbar administrators attacked staff. The animals were being taken into custody after authorities received reports of illegal ownership.
Wildlife officer Ahsan Mehboob sustained head and facial injuries during the attack and was immediately hospitalized. Officials confirmed his condition is stable. The team returned the lion to its cage, with plans to rescue it again from the owner today.
This marks the third reported lion attack in Punjab in recent days. Earlier, an eight-year-old girl, Rabia, was seriously injured by a pet lioness in the Bhekewal Pind area.
In another incident, eight-year-old Wajid lost his arm after being attacked by a pet lion at the Dolla Breeding Farm House in Sabzazar. He was first taken to a private hospital and later shifted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where a five-member medical board is overseeing his treatment.
Hospital authorities confirmed that although Wajid’s arm had to be amputated, his condition is now stable and out of danger. The incidents have sparked fear and concern among residents and officials alike.
Authorities have warned that the illegal keeping of unlicensed lions in residential areas poses a serious public safety threat, calling for stricter enforcement against such practices.
