Four lion cubs die within a day of birth at Shivamogga Zoo

Sara, a three-year-old lioness at the Shivamogga Zoo, gave birth to four cubs — two male and two female — a few days ago, but all four died within a day, dealing a setback to the zoo’s lion breeding programme.

Sara, brought to the zoo from Indore in September 2025, had been paired with Shiva, a male lion. Animal keepers had noticed the pair mating three months ago. However, there were hardly any signs of pregnancy, and she mated with the male again — unusual during pregnancy — leading the staff to conclude that she was not pregnant. Officials said they were not anticipating the delivery of cubs.