Mysuru: In a setback to the ambitious captive breeding initiative at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo, Ranitha, a 7-year-old Asiatic Lioness died yesterday. She was found injured on right and left shoulders after a fight with her companion Shourya on Oct. 26. Following this, it had stopped taking food.

Ranitha was procured from Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, Gujarat, on Aug. 4, 2016 under  animal exchange programme.

Executive Director of Mysuru Zoo C. Ravishankar said the Lioness was initially treated soon after the fight as it was found to be dull and had gone off feed. Blood examination revealed infection and treatment protocol was initiated.

The animal did not show any improvement in its health following which blood samples, lachrymal, nasal, and swabs samples were sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad and the lab report was awaited.

The Lioness was paralysed in the hind quarter and was recumbent and was refusing to eat since a week. Despite continuous treatment, Ranitha did not respond and passed away at 4.30 pm yesterday.

Ravishankar said Shourya and Ranitha fought a day after they were released for mating in the off-exhibited area. Following the death of Ranitha, Zoo has been left with four lions — Shourya and Gauri both pure bred Asiatic species and Rakshita and Darshan, the cross-bred animals.